Have You Done Any Mods?

We are looking for advice on the hitch set up of our 2011 Honda Pilot and our (new!) 2015 RPod 179. We have a Fast Way E2 hitch, which was installed earlier this week. As you can see in the photos below, the hitch apparatus has low ground clearance. Pilotpodder pointed out that the hitch receiver on the pilot is 19 inches high (off the ground), which is higher than many trucks. Also the RPod rides low. Combined this means that we a ground clearance problem and we are concerned. We are considering axle risers but have heard many pros and cons. We are looking for information and ideas from people who have used axle risers and people who have found other solutions. We're open to ideas and new to the RPod world. Thanks!

hitch measurement

hitch mechanism

long distance view of hitch

close up picture of hitch 

I towed my 2016 171 (recently sold) with a 2014 Honda Pilot with an Equalizer weight distributing hitch (similar to your set up) for the 2016 season (2,200 miles). Also, the RPod 171 did not have the axle risers that some of the RPods came with (so it rode low). Basically, I was told not to try and put the axle risers on after market (although some do it to help with this very issue). 

The basic problem is that the hitch receiver on the Pilot is at 19" off the ground vs 17.5" on most trucks. So you are starting higher. To compensate, you have to use the extended shank with the E2 or Equalizer to get the trailer level. There were three to choose from. I choose the middle length and had the hitch adjusted to the lowest rung to avoid what it sounds like you are dealing with. If I used the longest shank, I could level the trailer, but the shank would ride too low to the ground. So I choose the middle length, meaning the trailer rode up slightly in tow. I compensated by towing with a full fresh water tank (which is in front of the axle on the 171). I now have a 179 (and a Toyota Tundra) so I know the fresh water tank is also in front of the axle on the 179. The problem with this solution is more tongue weight on the Honda with the 179 vs my 171 if you go this route. I'd be a bit concerned with extra tongue weight on the Honda, quite honestly. 

I have to say that I love the Honda Pilot as a vehicle, but not as a tow vehicle. I gave it a C to C- when towing. When I upgraded TVs, I decided to future proof my towing and just bit the bullet and bought a good truck. However, I think if this isn't an option, you either have to do what I did using the middle length shank or try to get the axle risers or deal with a very long shank while towing. It's a tough one, but for Honda, towing is an after thought. Sorry for the reality. If you change the shank, your dealer may be willing to give you credit for the shank, mine did when I did an exchange. 

Thanks 

I met up with Patriot Dave this past week up at Petoskey State Park in northern Michigan. He had a custom canvas porch mod on his 2016 179 that looked great. I interviewed him about it and put a YouTube video together at the link below. Thanks Dave for the interview and great mod! 

John "PilotPodder" Marucci