Trailer Hitch and Weight Distribution for a 2005 to 2010 Honda Odyssey and 2,000 Pound Trailer

Question:

I have a Rockwood 1640LTD Pop-up camper that I would like to tow with a Honda Odyssey that I am considering purchasing 2005-2010 approx. year range. The gross weight and tongue weight of the camper is 2027 and 190 lbs. If I purchase an Odyssey, what hitch do you recommend? I was considering the draw-tite class III 75270. Doing research on your site, I like the stronger design that utilizes 3 weld nuts on each side of the vehicle for connection, compared to only 5 pieces of hardware on the Curt hitch. Also, I am considering adding a WD setup. What light duty WD system would you recommend? I am not sure if Rockwood recommends WD towing for that model trailer or not. It is probably slightly overkill for a lighter trailer such as this, but I would rather err on the side of more control than less control. If I load the trailer out to near 2000 lbs, and 190 lbs is on the tongue, Id prefer to have some of that weight distributed forward instead of behind the rear axle especially to allow 3rd row pax and/or cargo usage. For WD I looked at the FA92-00-0450 or 66557. Due to the Battery tray bracket, Propane tank bracket, and other welds, the acceptable gap for bracket positioning would need to be around the 28inch or 29inch mark from coupler to fit without additional kit. What are your thoughts on a setup similar to this? Thanks for your expertise!

asked by: Adam

Expert Reply:

Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 75270 is an excellent option for a 2005 to 2010 Honda Odyssey. This hitch actually fits 1999 to 2016 Honda Odysseys so if need be you can expand your Odyssey search to those years.

The gross weight and tongue weight of your Rockwood pop-up camper is pretty low. Based on that I recommend the Fastway e2 system # FA92-00-0450 which has a maximum tongue weight capacity of 450 pounds. The narrow brackets that mount on the trailer can be positioned 27 to 30 inches back from the center of the ball cavity on the trailer coupler so that is right in the range you need. For a 2 inch ball use # 40038.

I have included some links on weight distribution and determining tongue weight for you.

expert reply by: Michael H