Weight Distribution for a 2009 Honda Pilot and 3,000 Pound Travel Trailer
Question:
I am looking to tow a ~3000 lb trailer with a 2009 Honda Pilot. The total weight is well within the 4500 lb rating for the Pilot, but the tongue weight will likely be close to the 450 lb rating for the Pilot. Honda says in the manual that they do not recommend a WDH because they state that an improperly installed WDH could negatively impact handling. I am inclined to think that a WDH would improve handling if sized and installed properly. My question is if the tongue weight is around 450 lb, would it be better to use the 600 lb or 800 lb max rated Blue Ox WDH? Ive seen other owners of similar trailers say they think 500 lb WDH are too light for the trailer, but based on Hondas recommendations I dont want to go too aggressive on the WDH sizing.
asked by: John
Expert Reply:
First you will want to check the wording in the owners manual very carefully. If it says that you cannot use weight distribution then I cannot advise going against that recommendation. However if it states it could be used it is just not recommended then I would contact a Honda dealer to get further input.
If you determine that weight distribution can be used then you will need to go by the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. If the Pilot and hitch are rated for weight distribution you need to go by the tongue weight rating as indicated on the hitch or in the vehicles owners manual, whichever is lower.
If the capacity is 450 pounds, that is the limit you must abide by. Having a system rated higher will not be beneficial and you will end up with a stiff ride. You want a system that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses the loaded tongue weight of the trailer.
Typically, tongue weight is 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. So for a 3,000 pound trailer you are looking at 300 to 450 pounds. For that range I recommend a system rated for 200 to 600 pounds or in this case the system rated up to 600 pounds, # BLU45FR, would also work. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you.
In addition to the other links I have also included a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control and another on determining tongue weight.
