Solutions to Combat Rear End Sag Experienced When Towing with 2019 Honda Odyssey

Updated 09/12/2019 | Published 09/11/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Coil SumoSprings Custom Helper Springs for Coil Spring Suspension - Rear Axle

(433)

$206.99

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3914)

$20.94

Question:

I bought a tow hitch from etrailer and it is great, now I’m looking for a solution to deal with rear sag. Anything like bumpstops, spacers, or airbags in the pipeline for the newer Odyssey’s? Thanks

asked by: Jason M

Expert Reply:

At this time, none of our vendors offer a suspension enhancement option for the 5th generation 2019 Honda Odyssey and nothing is currently in the works. Given the popularity of the Odyssey, I'd expect that to change at some point, but none of our vendors could say when that might happen.

If the sag you mention is caused by the tongue weight of a trailer, and if your hitch is rated for use with a weight distribution system, weight distribution would be a much better way of dealing with the sag than an air bag or suspension enhancement product would be. Suspension enhancement is better suited for handling the weight of cargo carried in the vehicle than a trailer's tongue weight.

A weight distribution system uses tension from spring bars to lift a portion of the trailer's tongue weight from the rear vehicle axle and distributes a portion of it to the front suspension. This levels out the ride height, which has the added benefit of correcting the headlight aim and improving steering and braking performance as rear sag can negatively affect all these things.

To choose the proper weight distribution system, you'll want to know the tongue weight of the trailer, which would also include the weight of anything stowed in the cargo area of the Odyssey behind the rear axle. The effectiveness of a weight distribution system will depend on the actual tongue weight of your trailer. I'll link you to an article that explains how to determine the trailer's tongue weight.

The best weight distribution systems combine weight distribution with trailer sway control, which helps keep the trailer steady when crosswinds or turbulence from passing or oncoming traffic hits the trailer. I'd recommend the Fastway # FA92-00-0600 that combines weight distribution that's effective on trailers with tongue weights ranging from 250-600 lbs. Given that your Odyssey has a maximum towing capacity of 3200-3500 lbs, this system will be perfect and the proven sway control component will help keep the white knuckles at bay. You'll also need the properly sized trailer ball, part # A-90.

expert reply by: Mike L