Will Weight Distribution System Allow Honda Odyssey with Class III Hitch to Tow Camper

Question

Question:

We have a 2006 Honda Odyssey EXL. We want to get a popup camper that our van is capable of towing, but that will also fit our family. We have 4 children, so there will be 6 of us in the vehicle and we will definitely need to use the cargo area in the back of the van for our things. My mother-in-law would like to go with us sometimes as well, so that adds a 7th person at times. Our van is already equipped with transmission and ps coolers and has a class 3 Curt hitch. We know we need to upgrade our 4 pin wiring to 7 pin so we can use electric brakes on the camper we get. We also will need a WDH. We are specifically looking at a 2007 Flagstaff 228D. We are supposed to go see it tonight or tomorrow. Its a really good price, great condition from what the seller says and it seems to be a good size for our family. The specs say the dry weight is 2079 with a GVWR of 3015. It does have the shower/toilet option and heat and a/c, so Im sure the actual dry weight is more than whats listed in the brochure, but not sure how much more. What concerns me is this: the dry hitch weight is 295. Thats pretty high. And from what Ive read online, once you add the battery and propane tanks to the total theyre mounted on the a frame, youre looking at 400+ pounds. Since this camper doesnt have a front storage box, well have to put all of our luggage and gear in the back of the van and from what I understand, that has to be added to the tongue weight total. My question is, is it possible to make this work with the right WDH? What kind of set up do we need?

asked by: Rebecca A

0

Expert Reply:

You are correct that the weight of equipment loaded behind the tow vehicle's rear axle must be added to the tongue weight. The tongue weight is usually 10%-15% of the loaded trailer weight, plus the weight of this additional equipment. If we go with the upper end of this range and assume that your trailer will be loaded to its full capacity, 3,015 lbs, this gives us a tongue weight of 452 lbs.

Without knowing the exact capacity of your hitch, it's difficult to say whether this will present an issue or not. However, if your hitch is similar to (or the same as) our Curt Class III hitch for the Honda Odyssey, # C13068, it could be a close call. Without a weight distribution system, this hitch has a tongue weight capacity of 350 lbs. With weight distribution, that capacity increases to 500 lbs. It's possible that you will stay within this weight range--you may not load the trailer to its full capacity, or you may be able to distribute the weight so that only about 10% of the trailer weight is supported by the hitch. The best way to determine if you are within your hitch's tongue weight capacity is to measure your tongue weight, such as with a trailer tongue weight scale like # e99044. I've also attached an article with some information about determining your tongue weight.

If you determine upon measuring your tongue weight that it will be a concern for your current hitch, we also offer another Class III hitch that is confirmed to fit your 2006 Odyssey, the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver, # 75270. This hitch has a maximum tongue weight of 675 lbs, so it could provide the additional weight capacity needed to support your trailer and equipment.

For a weight distribution system, I recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 10,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW, # RP66082. This system uses dual-cam sway control to prevent sway before it starts. It supports tongue weights between 200 and 600 lbs. It comes with a shank with a maximum rise of 6-1/2 inches and maximum drop of 1-1/4 inches. We also offer shanks with different rise/drop measurements if needed. I've attached an article with information on how to measure for rise/drop.

You'll also want to check the weight capacity and towing capacity of your Odyssey. Even if your hitch can handle the trailer weight, you are always limited by the lowest rated component in your towing setup. You can check your weight and towing limits in your vehicle owner's manual. My online research indicates that, with 7 occupants, your maximum total trailer weight will be 2,600 lbs, which could be an issue once you start loading up the camper.