Recommendation for Weight Distribution on 2008 Honda Odyssey Towing a 3,500-Lb Jayco Travel Trailer
Question:
I drive 2008 Honda Odyssey EX and plan to purchasing 2012 Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX 184BH. heres the spec. travel trailer Unloaded Vehicle Weight lbs 2,690 Dry Hitch Weight lbs 270 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating lbs 3,500 Exterior Length 20 Exterior Height 101 Odyssey max. GVWR 3,500 max. hitch 350 What kind of weight dist. do I need? Thank you in advance.
asked by: Chul P
Expert Reply:
Thanks for supplying all of the critical information of the trailer. This helps in choosing the correct system for your vehicle.
To choose a weight distribution system you will need a system that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses the trailer tongue weight loaded and ready to tow, plus the weight of any gear in your 2008 Honda Odyssey EX, behind the rear axle. I am including a link to a FAQ page on weight distribution.
With the gross trailer weight rating of your trailer at 3,500 lbs, the tongue weight range of 10 to15 per cent would be 350 lbs to 525 lbs. For that tongue weight range I would recommend the Reese Weight Distribution System, part # RP66540. This system has a tongue weight range of 200 to 600 lbs and a gross towing capacity of 10,000 lbs. I am including a link to the installation instructions on the # RP66540 system.
If you are concerned about trailer sway, I would recommend the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System with Sway Control, part # RP66082. This system will include the Dual-Cam sway control. This sway control is a proactive system that will stop trailer sway before it has a chance to start. I am including a link to the installation instructions on the # RP66082 system.
Both of the Reese weight distribution systems will include everything you need, except for the hitch ball. If the coupler on your trailer accepts a 2 inch hitch ball (most common), I would recommend the Curt 2 Inch Hitch Ball, part # A-90.
I am including a link to a video that will help answer some questions you might have on weight distribution systems.

Products Referenced in This Question
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 6K GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 300 lbs
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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