Picking hitch gear

[tlsmit1]

I'd like to tow my '62 Tradewind with my 2010 4wd Pilot. I'm trying to figure out the best way to hitch. Here's what I'm dealing with:

The trailer has an axle weight of 3200# (just weighed on a CAT scale) and a tongue weight of about 350#.

A 4wd Pilot has a max trailer weight of 4500# and tongue weight of 450#. However, the manual says not to use a weight-distributing hitch.

So as I see it, my options are...

1) Drop it on the ball and go, maybe with a friction sway dampener

2) Ignore the manual and put a traditional weight-distributing hitch on it

3) Weld in some support for the factory hitch receiver, then ignore the manual and put a weight-distributing hitch on it.

4) Use a Hensley / ProPride, again maybe strengthening the hitch receiver first, but with all the extra tongue weight that that implies

I would *love* to just take it to Can-Am, but don't really have the time for that right now.

What do folks think? Thanks!

[HowieE]

Take a look at the Andersen WD hitch. Yes I said WD but if you look at this hitch you can use or not use the WD aspects of the hitch, depending on how much tension you place on the chains, and it only weighs 60lbs. It will offer excellent sway control.

Not familiar with your receiver but this approach will be much better than just dropping the trailer on the ball.

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by tlsmit1

I'd like to tow my '62 Tradewind with my 2010 4wd Pilot. I'm trying to figure out the best way to hitch. Here's what I'm dealing with:

The trailer has an axle weight of 3200# (just weighed on a CAT scale) and a tongue weight of about 350#.

A 4wd Pilot has a max trailer weight of 4500# and tongue weight of 450#. However, the manual says not to use a weight-distributing hitch.

So as I see it, my options are...

1) Drop it on the ball and go, maybe with a friction sway dampener

2) Ignore the manual and put a traditional weight-distributing hitch on it

3) Weld in some support for the factory hitch receiver, then ignore the manual and put a weight-distributing hitch on it.

4) Use a Hensley / ProPride, again maybe strengthening the hitch receiver first, but with all the extra tongue weight that that implies

I would *love* to just take it to Can-Am, but don't really have the time for that right now.

What do folks think? Thanks!

Just my thoughts on your situation...I would not consider a Hensley or a ProPride because of the additional weight. I would get the vehicle to a receiver hitch expert, and get the receiver reinforced as needed to use a WD hitch. Then I would consider the Andersen WD hitch because it is light, and should handle the tongue weight of your relatively light weight trailer just fine.

I am sure you will get many more opinions. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.