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Sag and Ground Clearance Problems with Weight Distribution Hitch on 2018 Honda Pilot AWD  

Question:

We have a 2018 Pilot 5,000 lb. towing capacity that we tow a hybrid single-axle trailer 3,000 lb, but we are running into a couple of problems. 1 We do have a WDH, but it leaves very little ground clearance. The arms bend down a few inches before beading towards the tongue. It is so bad that we usually have to take off the arms before parking. Wed love to sell it and buy another model that has more ground clearance. 2 The Pilot has some minor sagging no rubbing or problems, mainly visual when towing the trailer. I am thinking that an airbag system might be our best bet to remedy this and possibly gain some ground clearance. We would possibly add some ground clearance to the trailer to have level towing at this point. Any product suggestions?

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Expert Reply:

I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that they do not make an airbag or suspension enhancement system compatible with the 2018 Honda Pilot. The good news is that assuming your current weight distribution hitch is rated to handle the tongue weight of your current tow setup, adjusting the head angle on your weight distribution hitch will help solve the problem of your sagging bars, as well as helping take care of the sagging on the rear of your vehicle.

The angle of the head directly effects the torsion bars that are causing you headaches and also directly control exactly how the weight is distributed. These torsion bars should be level, or just below level with your trailer's frame. Once the head is adjusted you'll need to make sure that the chains that connect the torsion bars to the frame are taught- this generally happens with 4-5 chain links but it isn't a hard and fast rule and will depend on the weight of your trailer. Not having enough tension on the bars is going to cause your vehicle to sag because of improperly distributed weight. I've attached the FAQ which has a step by step guide on how to troubleshoot and properly install a weight distribution system. There are also some videos on it that will help you when going through this process.

With all of this being said, if you're currently using a round bar weight distribution system you still may want to consider switching to a new system and would definitely benefit from moving to a torsion bar system like the Equal-i-zer # EQ37060ET . The spring arms on this system won't bend like a round bar system and the Equal-i-zer offers the best ground clearance of any system. This chain-less system also has 4 point sway control that utilizes steel on steel friction to stabilize your towing load and reduce stress while towing.

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Erik B

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