Is Weight Distribution Required for 2008 Honda Odyssey LX Towing A 2001 Starcraft 2960 Lb Camper
Question:
We had a 2003 Odyssey LX with just a Draw-Tite hitch to tow our Spacemaster pop-up camper. That Odyssey was totaled in an accident and we now have a 2008 Odyssey LX and have to add everything to tow the camper cooling systems, brake wiring, hitch. The Odyssey manual states that we need a weight distributing hitch to tow more than 1850 lbs, which we did not have with the old Odyssey. Our camper has a GVRW of 2960 lbs. When we enter our vehicle info in See What Fits Your Vehicle, no weight distributing hitches show up. Do you have any that will work for our situation?
asked by: Brian R
Expert Reply:
A weight distribution system should be used any time the trailer weighs more than 50 percent of the vehicles weight. In your case the weight of the 2008 Honda Odyssey is 5952 lbs and the weight of your camper is 2960 lbs, so you are right at the 50 percent guideline. The reason that Honda states to use a weight distribution system is because the suspension of the Odyssey is not designed for towing, it is designed a little softer than normal for ride comfort.
To be able to use weight distribution on your 2008 Honda Odyssey you will need to have a Class III 2 inch hitch on your vehicle. A Class II 1-1/4 inch hitch will not be able to use a weight distribution system.
I looked up your Starcraft Spacemaster camper and it looks like it has an A-Frame, so I would recommend to use the Reese light duty system # 66557 rated for up to 400 pounds tongue weight ant 4,000 pounds gross trailer weight.
A weight distribution system is not a vehicle specific item so it will not show up in the fit guide. If you look up your vehicle and select trailer hitches, then when you choose a particular hitch it will show if weight distribution will be able to be used on that hitch for that vehicle.
I am including a link to a FAQ page on weight distribution systems.
