Recommended Weight Distribution System For 2010 Honda Odyssey With Rockwood Pop-up Trailer

Question:

Im looking to see if I have the correct weight distribution hitch. I have a 2010 Honda Odyssey with the 3.5 v6. It has a class III hitch installed on it with a brake controller and transmission cooler. I tow a 10 foot popup trailerrockwood 1980 that has electric brakes that it has a gross weight of 2400 pounds when I weighted it last summer at a truck stop. My issue is I find the van sags a lot when I tow because the trailer is very tongue heavy for its size. The trailer carries 2 20 lbs propane tanks and a battery so this gives it a tongue weight of approx 340 when I weighted it myself. My question to you is, I recently bought a used weight distribution system with the hope of relieving some sag on the back of the van but the hitch is rated for 1000 pounds of tongue weight and 10000 pounds of towing. I realize that this is overkill but should I look at a smaller WD system or is what I have good enough for my trailer and the weight I am towing. thanks in advance for your help,

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

That is a lot of tongue weight for your 2010 Honda Odyssey, but the system you bought is definitely overkill. A system that big will cause a very rigid ride and could actually cause other issues. I recommend you change out your spring bars if your system allows it or replacing your system. You want a system that takes your trailer's loaded tongue weight and the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle and has that total tongue weight in the middle of the range of the system.

My recommendation for a replacement system is the Fastway e2 system # FA92-00-0600 which has a maximum tongue weight capacity of 600 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.

If you want load leveling support on your van, I recommend the Air Lift AirLift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear # AL60815 which will help your current working suspension when under load. This kit comes with manual inflation valves and is adjustable between 5 and 35 psi.

expert reply by: Jason S