Towing setup for new RP176

As I remember, the Pilot and Ridgie manuals advise against a WDH, because if improperly installed or adjusted, they could damage the unibody construction.I know owners of both, who do both. Towing comfort is subjective.

That said. I (I) believe towing trailers, is "truck stuff", and I believe doing truck stuff requires.... a truck.

Do people tow with Subarus and Kias and Escapes and such? sure.
Would I? Nope.

There is no advice being given - except perhaps yours. Stating factual experience is not advice and by the way I personally believe experience is way way way way more valuable than theoretical calculations and also keep in mind that any engineering spec worth its salt always throws in a fudge factor and 150% would not be uncommon. That being said, if you can afford it and it suits your needs, I believe it is always better to oversize your TV.

Good call and happy travels!

Originally posted by malkbean2 i'm towing a 178 with a 3.6L dodge Caravan. for about 8000 miles. The 178 weighs in at 2650 well below the max tow weight of the TV. I don't use a WDH  because I am a little wary of the stress it could put on the frame. Been doing fine with just a sway bar. Only problems are from big trucks. Their turbulence sometimes tries to induce a little sway but stops almost immediately after they pass. (not even sure if the sway is from the trailer swaying cause I feel the semis pushing the minivan even without the trailer hitched). Havent had any problem powerwise with east coast mountains, I have yet to challenge the western mountains.  I am violating 2 TV specs: 1. the trailer frontal area -- this is a wind resistance issue and as long as i keep the speed down the only thing that suffers is the gas mileage 2. tongue weight -- the recommended TW is 360lb.. I took the back seats out to take some weight off the axle and hitch receiver and purposely added tongue weight on the tongue to ensure a stable ride I have very little additional cargo weight in the trailer, all the heavy stuff is stored in the van. The itemized Dodge component sheet shows that the grand caravan comes from the factory with beefed up suspension, alternator, and trans cooling.  I don't know if Honda comes like that, i  f, not you will likely need it.

I would bet good money that your trailer weighs at least 3100-3300 lbs when hooked up and towing.  As mentioned already, the listed empty weights are not an accurate representation.

i pretty much keep it mt while towing except for some extra weight on the tongue.