Weight Distribution for a 2500 Pound Trailer with 320 Pounds Dry Tongue Weight

Question:

I have a 2008 Honda odyssey and want to tow a 2500 lb trailer with 320lb tongue weight dry - I expect to add up to 600lbs to the trailer - which weight distribution hitch with sway reduction would you recommend. Ideally i would like one with a little extra capacity as i intend to get a SUV as a next vehicle - is it possible to do this? Thanks for your help

asked by: Dirk H

Expert Reply:

Based on the weights you have provided it looks like the trailer tongue weight is about 13 percent of the gross trailer weight. If you were to add 600 pounds to the trailer than would bring the gross trailer weight to 3,100 pounds and the tongue weight to 403 pounds.

You will want to check your trailer hitch for the weight distribution capacities, if it is rated for it, and the vehicle owners manual to determine if it is rated for use with weight distribution. We have found in the past that certain Honda vehicles are not rated for weight distribution so finding that out first is important.

Some weight distribution systems have a tongue weight capacity range. You will want 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 to be near the middle of the range.

So for example if the tongue weight is 403 pounds then a system rated for 200 to 600 pounds tongue weight would be perfect, # RP66082. This system comes with sway control and has the 200 to 600 pound tongue weight capacity range. The only thing you will need to add is a properly sized ball for the trailer coupler.

Use ball # A-90 if you need a 2 inch or # 19286 if you need a 2-5/16 inch. I have linked instructions for the weight distribution kit, an article on weight distribution, and an article on determining tongue weight.

expert reply by: Michael H