Honda Pilot Owners Manual

450
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper 
equipment, and follow the towing guidelin es. Check the load limits before driving.
■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...

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uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
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Driving
■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
To n gue LoadTongue Load
Number of 
occupantsAWD models with or without  ATF cooler2WD models
2500 lbs (227 kg)350 lbs (159 kg)
3475 lbs (215 kg)325 lbs (147 kg)
4450 lbs (204 kg)300 lbs (136 kg)
5375 lbs (170 kg)275 lbs (125 kg)
6250 lbs...

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■To estimate the tongue load
Excessive tongue load reduces front tire  traction and steering control. Too little 
tongue load can make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
You can estimate the tongue load by meas uring the trailer hitch height from the 
ground in the following steps:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the trailer hitch.
3. Connect the fully loaded trailer to the hitch....

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■How to weigh the trailer load s using the public scale
Check each weight in the order indicated as shown.
Refer to the table on the right for each we ight’s limit except for the tongue load.
2Tongue load  P. 451
•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...

uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
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Driving
Towing generally requires a variety of supplemental equipment.
To ensure the best quality, we recomme nd that you purchase Honda equipment 
whenever possible.
■Trailer brakes
Recommended for any trailer with a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more:
There are two common types of trailer brake s: surge and electric. Surge brakes are 
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet.
If you choose electric brakes, be sure th ey are...

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uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
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The trailer hitch harness  is used to install the 
controller for the electric trailer brakes.
Insert the trailer brake fuse into the engine 
compartment sub fuse box.
2 Engine Compartment Fuse Box Type B  
P. 631
Electric Brake 
(Brown) Brake (20A) 
(Blue)
Ground 
(Black)
Brake Lights 
(Sky Blue)
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uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
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Driving
■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 inst all a Honda wiring harness and converter. 
They are designed for your vehicle.
■Hitches
Read the trailer manufacturer’s instructions , and select the appropriate draw bar for 
the...

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uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
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■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 te nds 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,...

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uuTowing a Trailer uTrailer Stability Assist
Driving
Trailer Stability Assist
Helps to stabilize the vehicle and tra iler when the trailer severely sways.
■How trailer stability assist works
When the vehicle and trailer become unstab le while driving, trailer stability assist 
determines the cause. If the trailer oscill ation is detected as the cause, and the 
swaying increases, the system applies the brak es or controls engine output to reduce 
vehicle speed.
Both the vehicle and trailer brake...

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Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer
• Have the trailer properly servic ed and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in  the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2Towing Load Limits  P. 450
•When towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,590  kg), use of gasoline with a pump 
octane number of 87 or higher is recommended.
u Towing performance can be affected by high altitude, high temperature, or 
steep uphill.
•...