Recommended Weight Distribution for 2008 Honda Odyssey Towing 2500 lb Boat Trailer

Question

Question:

I will be towing a boat that will have somewhere between 2000 to 2500 lbs. On top of that, our van will have maybe 100-200 lbs of gear loaded in the back behind the rear axle. What is the best WDS to get ?

asked by: Ralph G

0

Expert Reply:

Based on the excellent information you provided, the the total tongue weight (tongue weight of trailer plus cargo behind vehicle rear axle) will range between 450-550 lbs.

I will proceed on the assumption that your boat trailer has a straight, or pole tongue versus an A-frame as is typical for a boat trailer.

If your boat trailer uses a hydraulic surge coupler that compresses to actuate the trailer brakes, you will not be able to use a standard chain-suspended type W/D system like the # PS49901. In addition to that, the friction sway control included with that set-up is not compatible with a pole tongue trailer.

Given the tongue weight range we are dealing with, the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System, part # RP66558 would be dead-on perfect for your boat trailer. The system is designed for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 400-600 lbs, and also provides sway control that will help resist side winds and turbulence caused by passing traffic, the downward force of the spring bars will provide much more sway resistance than the friction sway device included with the W/D kit you referenced. This system is compatible with a surge coupler, but would also work great on a boat trailer that does not have brakes. In order to use this system on straight tongue trailers, a Pole Tongue Adapter, part # RP58393 will also be needed, to provide an attachment point for the spring bar brackets.

The weight distributing shank is included with the system, but you will also need the appropriately sized trailer ball with a 1 inch diameter threaded shank like part # 63845 for a 2 inch trailer ball or # 63847 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.

I have linked you to the install instructions for the system I recommended, as well as an FAQ article about weight distribution. I will also link you to a product demonstration video that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

You are correct, if you were to extend the length of your trailer tongue it would not lower the capacity of the tongue weight of your hitch. If anything the hitch has more leverage over the tongue weight now like you mentioned so the opposite would…

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Answer 2

Any type of hitch adapter or extender will have the unavoidable side-effect of causing a loss of about half of your hitch's rated capacity, both its tongue weight (TW) and it's gross towing weight (GTW). Hidden Hitch extender #HE18 and Curt…

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

We actually have a variety of brake components here at etrailer.com that I have linked for you to filter through. Usually what we see is that it's more cost-effective to replace the entire brake assembly instead of piecing it out plus you know…

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Answer 6

I have attached a great article at the bottom of this page that details all the components needed to install electric brakes on a trailer. The particular parts you need will depend on the camper's axle capacity along with the inner and outer…

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Answer 7

You will need two of the 7 inch electric brake assemblies, one right hand, #23-48, and one left hand, #23-47. You will also need an appropriate length of 10 gauge wire, item #10-2-1, for running the wires to the trailer connector at the trailer…

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Answer 8

The trailer hitch I recommend for your 2008 Honda Odyssey is the Draw-Tite Max-Frame #75270 because it doesn't require any fascia trimming (like the etrailer and Curt might). This, as well as the other trailer hitches, exceeds the weight ratings…

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Answer 9

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Answer 10

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Answer 11

Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi as indicated on the tire regardless of the load on the trailer. The reason for this is because of how trailer tires are constructed. Trailer tires are made with a thicker sidewall than…

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Answer 12

What size tires are you referring to? What's the GVWR of the pop-up? In order to achieve their listed weight capacity, most trailer tires need to be kept inflated to the pressure listed on their sidewall. If a lower pressure is used, the tires…

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