Suspension Enhancement Recommendation for a 2010 Honda Pilot EX 4WD

Question:

I am pulling a 4000lb 19foot trailer, 500lb tongue weight, with my Honda Pilot and am using an Equalizer WDH. I noticed recently that the WDH is very slowly bending the receiver tube in the sheet metal trailer hitch assembly that came stock on the Pilot and the receiver tube is bending upward. I would now like to eliminate the WDH and beef up the suspension instead to eliminate the sag. BTW, this vehicle is within the towing limits for the Pilot. I also plan to reduce the trailer tongue weight by 100 lbs to 400 lbs. I have looked at both products you have to offer for my vehicle and wonder if the Coil Rite bags would be enough or the Timbren product or both. I looked for a heavier hitch than the one Honda makes but no one makes an aftermarket one. Can you give me some guidance? Thanks in advance for your help!!

asked by: Steve S

Helpful Expert Reply:

First thing you need to do is check your owners manual to determine if your vehicle is rated for use with weight distribution. Some vehicles aren't. Since your hitch is bent I would recommend you have a Honda service department check it out and determine if it can still be used. If the hitch is fatigued to the point of potential failure I cannot recommend you continue towing.

Weight distribution systems are preferred for bumper pull style trailers like what you have. For suspension enhancement I like the Air Bag setups better since they tend to provide a more comfortable ride quality when unloaded when compared to the Timbrens. For that you would want the Firestone Kit part # F4179 that you referenced.

expert reply by: Jameson C