Weight Distribution for a 3,500 Pound Boat Trailer and 2013 Honda Odyssey

Question:

I recently bought and installed a Reese Class III round tube receiver/hitch. We bought a boat the other day and the trailer+boat weight is 3,500lbs. The trailer is a tandem axle with surge breaks. Inboard similar to ski nautique. Stability during towing is great. No sway issues, braking is good, etc. The problem Ive had is the Odyssey is front wheel drive and the front wheels lose traction on boat ramps. So far Ive only pulled the boat out once and could not make it up the ramp. Im guessing A WDH is out with the surge brakes. Im considering adding air lifts. Any other suggestions or remedies?

asked by: Mathias P

Expert Reply:

You actually can still use weight distribution with a boat trailer with surge brakes by using what is called a pole tongue adapter. Weight distribution is the best choice for this problem since it will help to distribute some force from the tongue weight to the front axle.

For a pole tongue adapter you can use # EQ95-01-5950. Since the trailer's tongue weight is likely less than 350 pounds you won't have to use a high capacity system. I recommend Fastway e2 system # FA92-00-0450 since it maxes out at 450 pounds tongue weight and has trunnion bars for better ground clearance. This is a good thing especially for your 2013 Honda Odyssey since the hitch is already close to the ground.

The only other part you will need is a properly sized ball; # 40038 for a 2 inch or # C40007 for a 2-5/16 inch.

expert reply by: Michael H