Troubleshooting a 2006 Honda Pilot With Sway Problem From a 4200 lb boat

Question:

I am using a 2006 Honda Pilot with a tow capacity of 4500 lbs to tow a 21foot boat with an outboard motor all in weighing 4,100 lbs. All in the boat 2200 lbs + gas 400 lbs +/- + trailer 1,000 lbs + motor 500 lbs. Tongue weight is currently set at 200 lbs or ~5 trailer manual recommendation. As I am driving at speeds over 50 mph sway starts and over 65 it starts to feel like jack knifing so it is obviously not safe. What would you recommend? Please also check on the unibody issue... noyesf@yahoo.com

asked by: Frank N

Expert Reply:

Judging by the picture you submitted it looks like your problem is that your ball mount is too high which is causing your trailer to not sit level. You need a ball mount with more drop than what you are currently using. I strongly urge you to check out the FAQ article I attached on determining the correct rise/drop ball mount for a setup and use the correct ball mount before you tow again. You might check your trailer suspension as well as broken suspension components can cause sway.

The kind of sway you are experiencing will not be fixed by a weight distribution system. But since your trailer weighs more than 1/2 of what your tow vehicle weighs a WD system is recommended. The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow, this figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well.

The WD system part # 49570 that you referenced would most likely be overkill, instead I would recommend the Reese Weight Distribution w/out Shank # RP66021. For a shank to go along with this system that can do up to 7-1/2 inches of drop check out the # C17121.

expert reply by: Jameson C