Can 2016 Honda Pilot Use Weight Distribution for 3500 lb Camper
Question:
I have a 2016 honda pilot AWD. V6, with a factory tow hitch. The hitch can tow up to 5000 lbs. I tow a 18 foot camper GVWR 3500 lbs. The Honda manual advises the vehicle is designed not to need a WDH. I was thinking of just getting a sway control device. Do I need a WDH or just a sway control device and can you give me a reccomendation.
asked by: Andy
Expert Reply:
According the online copy of the owner's manual I looked over, Honda states that "Your vehicle is designed to tow without the need for a load distributing hitch. If you wish to use one, please consult your trailer maker for proper installation and set-up. Improper set-up could degrade the handling, stability, and braking performance of your vehicle."
So Honda doesn't expressly forbid use of weight distribution. We'll typically recommend using a w/d system if the trailer weighs more than half the weight of the vehicle, which it does in this case. I'd highly recommend using a weight distribution system with an integrated sway control system. I'd consider sway control as a must because even smaller travel trailers tend to act like a big sail when hit with crosswinds or turbulence from passing traffic. The weight distribution system will also reduce any sag from the rear end which will throw your headlights out of aim and reduce front braking and steering response and leveling the vehicle's ride height between the front and rear axles.
Given the 3500 GVWR of your camper, your trailer tongue weight should be in the 300-500 lb range which would be perfect for the Fastway e2 system, part # FA92-00-0600. The hitch doesn't include the trailer ball, for a 2 inch you'll need part # A-90 for a 2 inch ball or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball. You'll also need a 1-7/8 inch thin walled socket to install the ball. If you don't have one or can't borrow one, we sell them as part # EQ70-00-4800.
I'll link you to a demonstration/install video for the e2 weight distribution system I recommended.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Thin Walled Socket for Equal-i-zer Hitches
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Tools
- Socket
- Equal-i-zer
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Weight Distribution w/out Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- No Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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