Sounds like a bit too much in the rear of your van and/or the front of the trailer. There was a mini-weight distributing hitch, I believe it was made by Reese, that was specifically for smaller trailers and smaller vans. Might want o look into that.

Shocks do nothing to lift the van. The helper springs wont help with the towing ability, just level up the rear. Sounds like you need a weight distributing system on the trailer. Also have seen some of the smaller trailers with a friction type sway control bar.

Here is a link to the Mini 350

Ken

Thanks Ken, looks like something worth getting. How easy is it to install. Can we do it ourselves? Keep in mind that I am the handyman in the family. LOL When we do stuff like this, I am the brain and he is the brawn. LOL We make a great team. Just wish I had as much brain as he has brawn sometimes. Luckily ds15 can throw in his brains and brawn and things usually work out fine. LOL

Just not sure if we have the time or money before our trip.

I am not sure how that works though. It looks so small and compact. How does it distribute the weight? I can see how it would control sway, which is a biggie. I am all for making our trips safer and easier.

Here are sosme more sites on the Reese site...HERE

They should be able to get you an online installation manual. Installation is not hard assuming you already have a 2" receiver on the Astro.

Ken