Recommended Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitch For 2019 Honda Pilot Towing 2021 Escape 21'C

Question:

I have a 5000/500 lb limit on the max/tongue weight of my 2019 Honda Pilot, which has the tow package, including the transmission cooler, in order to tow the extra weight. It is the same as a Honda Ridgeline. We will be towing a 2021 Escape 21’C, with a dry weight over 3000 lbs. We are starting with 2 Lithium batteries in the dinette bench, in the rear of the trailer, and only 2 solar panels on the roof, but may want to add more battery capacity, and more solar panels, later. I imagine we will also have the Pilot packed pretty full of stuff, so will probably be running close to the upper limits of our weight ratings. Q1: COMPARE EQ37060ET vs EQ37100ET Would I be correct in thinking that it would be safer to get the system that is rated for more weight, even though it might be stronger than we need, or would it be worse for the trailer for any reason, such as not being as flexible? Is there any reason that we should NOT get the EQ37100ET instead of the EQ37060ET? it seems like a no-brainer to get the better one. What do you think? Q2: WHAT TOOLS ARE NEEDED? What tools do we need to bring with us or purchase from you, in order to be able to install this hitch by ourselves, as trailer is being delivered to us in a restaurant parking lot!? Q3: DO YOU SELL TORQUE WRENCHES? We will need a torque wrench for tightening our lug nuts at 500 miles after we tow our trailer for the first time. Would we be able to use the same wrench for correctly tightening nuts on the hitch we are buying from you?

asked by: Rhonda A

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help!

Since your 2019 Honda Pilot is limited to 500lbs tongue weight, and 5000lbs trailer weight you will not want to go with the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW # EQ37100ET as it is designed for tongue weights between 600-1000lbs. Using this system with tongue weight below 600lbs will cause a very stiff ride, as the trailer will not have enough weight to allow the springs bars to work properly.

I recommend going with the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW # EQ37060ET as it works with tongue weights between 200-600lbs so it will be perfect for your new 2021 Escape 21'C.

To get the # EQ37060ET installed on your trailer you will need a 1-1/8” Box-end wrench, 1-1/8” Socket wrench, 3/4” Box-end or socket wrench, 5/8” Socket or box-end wrench, Measuring tape, Pencil, and a Torque wrench capable of 320 ft-lbs of torque.

It is also recommended to use the 1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel # ALL643216 to torque down the hitch ball, as it is pretty tight around the nut.

We do have torque wrenches, # PT79FR, which goes up to 250lb-ft so it would work for your lug nuts, but you will need a stronger torque wrench to get the hitch installed.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.