Recommended Weight Distribution Hitch for a 4,000 Pound Trailer and a 2003 Honda Pilot

Updated 04/07/2010 | Published 04/06/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 6K GTW, 600 TW

(238)

$644.05

Convert-A-Ball Cushioned Weight Distribution Shank for 2" Hitches - 10,000 lbs

(28)

$166.99

Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW

(64)

$172.40

Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 6K GTW, 600 lbs TW

(70)

$974.72

Question:

I have a 2003 Honda Pilot and tow a travel trailer weighing dry at 3,000 pounds with a tongue weight of 393 pounds. Seeking weight distribution hitch that will provide even towing line and better sway control. What WDH do you recommend? Loaded trailer weight 3,750 to 4,000 pounds. Loaded tongue weight, 400 to 425 pounds.

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

To be on the safe side, we will assume the maximums; trailer weight of 4,000 pounds and tongue weight of 425 pounds. When selecting a weight distribution system, the most important thing is properly matching tongue weights. That being said, you never want to exceed the gross trailer weight capacity either.

We have a few weight distribution systems with sway control, that have a 400-600 pound tongue weight range and they all have more than enough gross trailer weight capacity. Being that your tongue weight hovers right in the center of this range, 400-425, these systems would be a great fit.

First up, the Reese High Performance Weight distribution system, # RP66558. This system has a 6,000 pound gross trailer weight capacity, more than enough for your setup. And it has a 400-600 pound tongue weight range, good for your 400-425 pound tongue weight. This kit uses a friction sway control system, similar material to brake pads, to reduce sway and help get the trailer back in line when it does start to sway.

The next system is the Reese Strait-Line, part # RP66072. It has a slightly larger GTW, 12,000 pounds and has the same 200-600 pound tongue weight range. The big difference from this system when compared to the other is that it uses a Dual-Cam Sway Control system versus the friction style. The Dual-Cam system is much better sway control system because it is pro-active. It actually works to prevent sway before it even starts as the system actually forces the trailer to stay in a straight line behind the truck. Again, this system does not include the shank, so you will need to purchase it separately.

If you choose one of the kits without a shank, you could use either the Convert-a-Ball Cushioned Shank, part # AMAC1, or the Draw-Tite WD Shank, part # RP54970. Both have plenty of capacity for your needs and should provide adequate adjustment.

I have added links to the parts and the instructions for the WD systems below.