Honda Pilot: Towing a Trailer

• Towing Load Limits
• Trailer Stability Assist

Towing Load Limits

Your Honda Pilot 2023-2024 can tow a trailer if you adhere to the load limits, use the proper equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Always check the load limits before you start driving to ensure safe and efficient towing.

Total trailer weight

Do not exceed the maximum allowable weight of the trailer, cargo, and everything in or on it shown in the table.

Towing loads in excess of this can seriously affect vehicle handling and performance and can damage the engine and drivetrain.

Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:

• Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back.
• Each occupant weighs 150 lbs (68 kg).
• Each occupant has 17.6 lb (8 kg) cargo in the cargo area.

Any additional weight, cargo or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight and maximum tongue load.

WARNING

Exceeding any load limit or improperly loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.

Check the loading of your vehicle and trailer carefully before starting to drive.

Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.

Refer to the trailer owner's manual for additional information.

Break-in Period

Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle's first 600 miles (1,000 km).

Never exceed the gross weight ratings.

Tongue load

The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded trailer on the hitch should be approximately: Boat trailers: 5 - 15% of the total trailer weight

Other trailers: 10 - 15% of total trailer weight

How to weigh the trailer loads using the public scale

Check each weight in the order indicated as shown.

Refer to the table on the right for each weight's limit except for the tongue load.

• If you cannot weigh the rear axle, subtract 1 from 2.
• The maximum gross combined weight (4) decreases by 2% for every 1,000 feet (305 meters) of elevation.
• To calculate the tongue load, subtract 5 from 6.
• Refer to the trailer owner's manual for additional information.

Fully load the vehicle and trailer. An attendant who watches the scale is needed as all occupants should stay in the vehicle.

If a public scale is not available, add the estimated weight of your cargo load to the weight of your trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and then measure the tongue load with an appropriate scale or tongue gauge or estimate it based on cargo distribution.

■ Towing Equipment and Accessories

Towing generally requires a variety of supplemental equipment.

To ensure the best quality, we recommend that you purchase Honda equipment whenever possible.

Models with trailer hitch

Your vehicle has a class 3 trailer hitch as standard equipment.

Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/ territory, and local regulations.

Trailer packages and products available at a dealer.

• Ball mount kit.
• Hitch harness kit
• Trailer hitch kit

Trailer brakes

Have a qualified mechanic install your trailer brake controller following the trailer brake controller manufacturer's instructions. Failure to properly install the trailer brake controller may increase the distance it takes for you to stop your vehicle when towing a trailer.

The trailer hitch harness is used to install the controller for the electric trailer brakes.

Insert the trailer brake fuse into the engine compartment fuse box.

The 4-pin gray connector is located under the dashboard near the driver's side interior fuse box.

Trailer light

Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the requirements in the area where you plan to tow.

We recommend that you have a dealer install a Honda wiring harness and converter.

They are designed for your vehicle.

The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type and brand. If a connector is required, it should only be installed by a qualified technician.

The trailer lighting connector is located behind the left side panel in the cargo area.

Even if you are planning to use the non-Honda trailer lighting harness and converter, ask a dealer for the correct connector and pins.

Models without trailer hitch

Hitches

The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.

Weight distribution hitches

Your vehicle is designed to tow without the need for a load distributing hitch. If you wish to use one, please consult your trailer maker for proper installation and set-up.

Improper set-up could degrade the handling, stability, and braking performance of your vehicle.

Safety chains

Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.

Sway control

This device can be used if your trailer tends to sway. Your trailer maker can tell you what kind of sway control you need and how to install it. Improper installation could degrade the handling and stability of your vehicle.

Trailer mirrors

Many states, provinces and territories require special exterior mirrors when towing a trailer. Install special mirrors whenever you cannot clearly see behind you, or if the trailer creates a blind spot.

Trailer Stability Assist

The Honda Pilot 2023 features Trailer Stability Assist, which aids in stabilizing both the vehicle and trailer in instances of severe trailer sway. This enhances safety and control while towing, ensuring a more stable and secure driving experience.

Trailer stability assist is not a function that prevents the vehicle and trailer from swaying. Avoid high speeds, abrupt steering, improper trailer load, and sudden braking to keep the trailer from swaying.

When swaying too severely, the system becomes ineffective, and you may lose control of your vehicle, causing the trailer to roll over or get damaged.

Trailer towing sway is caused by:

• Crosswinds
• Improper tongue load
• Excessive Speed

The VSA system indicator blinks during the trailer stability assist operation.

How trailer stability assist works

When the vehicle and trailer become unstable while driving, trailer stability assist determines the cause. If the trailer oscillation is detected as the cause, and the swaying increases, the system applies the brakes or controls engine output to reduce vehicle speed.

Both the vehicle and trailer brake lights come on automatically if you brake to reduce vehicle speed.

Driving Safely with a Trailer

Operating speed when towing a trailer must not exceed 62 mph (100 km/h).

Parking

In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel chocks at each of the trailer's tires.

Remember to unhitch the trailer before changing a flat tire. Ask the trailer sales or rental agency where and how to store the trailer's spare tire.

■ Before towing a trailer with your Honda Pilot 2023, it's essential to follow these guidelines:

• Ensure the trailer is properly serviced and maintained in good condition.
• Verify that all weights and loads in both the vehicle and trailer are within recommended limits.
• Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Safely stow all items inside and on the trailer to prevent shifting during travel.
• Verify the functionality of trailer lights and brakes to ensure they are working correctly.
• Check the tire pressures of the trailer, including the spare tire.
• Turn off the Auto Idle Stop system using the Auto Idle Stop OFF button. This prevents potential brake effectiveness issues when towing on hills with Auto Idle Stop activated.
• Engage TOW mode for optimized transmission performance while towing a trailer.

Models with Parking Sensor System

• Turn off the rear parking sensor system.

Models with Low Speed Braking Control

• Turn off the Low Speed Braking Control system. It may activate if it detects the towed object as an obstacle.

■ Towing Speeds and Gears

• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the (D) position when towing a trailer on level roads.

When towing a fixed-sided trailer (e.g., camper), do not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h).

At higher speeds, the trailer may sway or affect vehicle handling.

■ Turning and Braking

• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.

■ Driving in Hilly Terrain

• If the Engine temperature near limit. Avoid heavy acceleration and high speed. message appears on the driver information interface, turn off the climate control system and reduce speed.

  If the Engine temperature too hot. Do not drive. Allow engine to cool.

  message appears on the driver information interface, pull to the side of the road safely to cool down the engine.

• Change the gear position to (S) position if the transmission shifts frequently.

If the automatic transmission fluid temperature exceeds the specified limit, the transmission will also automatically up shift, even in the sequential shift mode.

■ Retrieving a Boat

When retrieving a boat from the water, the sequential shift mode (S) is recommended to utilize the transmissions lower gears.

Towing Behind a Motorhome

Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.

Before DrivingOff-Highway Driving Guidelines