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 calculated based on the following conditions:
• Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back
• Each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg)
• Each occupant has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area
Any additional weight, cargo or accessori es reduce the maximum trailer weight and 
maximum tongue load.
■Towing Load Limits1 Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
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 estima te it based on cargo 
distribution.
Refer to the trailer owner’s manual for additional 
information.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer duri ng your vehicle’s first 600 
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information 2 Vehicle Specifications  P. 640
3WARNING
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.
Total Load
Number of 
occupantsAWD models with  ATF coolerAWD models 
without ATF cooler2WD models
25,000 lbs (2,268 kg)3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
34,750 lbs (2,155 kg)3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
44,500 lbs (2,041 kg)3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
54,250 lbs (1,928 kg)2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
64,000 lbs (1,814 kg)2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
72,500 lbs (1,134 kg)2,250 lbs (1,021 kg)2,250 lbs (1,021 kg)
8Towing not recommended
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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 (113 kg)240 lbs (109 kg)
7125 lbs (57 kg)115 lbs (52 kg)
8Towing not recommended
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uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
■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.
4. Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the trailer hitch 
again.
5. Subtract the second measurement from th e first measurement, then refer to the 
following table.
If the difference becomes more  than indicated in the table, distribute the load or 
remove cargo as needed.
If the difference isAWD models2WD models
1 inches (2.5 cm)150 lbs (68 kg)
1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm)250 lbs (114 kg)
2 inches (5.1 cm)350 lbs (159 kg)
2 3/8 inches (6.0 cm)450 lbs (205 kg)—
2 5/8 inches (6.7 cm)500 lbs (227 kg)—
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							Continued453
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
■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 owner’s ma nual for additional information.
1How to weigh the trailer loads using the public scale
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 estima te it based on cargo 
distribution. Weight limit for 2WD models AWD models
Front gross axle2,734 lbs 
(1,240 kg)2,855 lbs 
(1,295 kg)
Gross vehicle 5,545 lbs 
(2,515 kg) 5,842 lbs 
(2,650 kg)
Rear gross axle2,921 lbs 
(1,325 kg)3,097 lbs 
(1,405 kg)
Gross combined 8,025 lbs 
(3,640 kg) 9,755 lbs 
(4,425 kg)
1. Front gross axle weight.
2. Gross vehicle weight.4. Gross combined weight.
3. Rear gross axle weight. 5. Hitched trailer weight.
6. Unhitched trailer weight.
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							uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
454
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 electronically actuated. Do not 
attempt to attach trailer brakes to your ve hicle’s hydraulic system, as it will lower 
braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard.
The 4-pin gray connector installed in your vehicle has all of the circuits required to 
install most electric trailer brake controllers.
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.
■Towing Equipment and Accessories1 Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and 
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and lo cal regulations.
Consult your trai ler maker for prope r installation and 
setup of the equipment.
Improper installation and setup can affect the 
handling, stability, and br aking performance of your 
vehicle.
Consult your traile r sales or rental agency if any other 
items are recommended or required for your towing 
situation.
The lighting and wiring of tra ilers can vary by type 
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only 
be installed by a qua lified technician.
Trailer packages  and products:
•Ball mount, hitch plug, hitch pin etc.•Wiring harness kit
•Trailer hitch kit (jum per harness included)
2 Trailer brakes  P. 454
•Automatic transmission cooler
Are available at a dealer.
1 Trailer brakes
The 4-pin gray connector  is located under the 
instrument panel near the  top of the parking brake 
pedal.
Electric Brake 
(Brown) (20A)
Ground 
(Black) Brake (Light 
Green)
Stop 
(Violet)
Trailer brake controller 
connector’s terminals:
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uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
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Driving
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
456
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 height of the trailer you will be towing.
■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.
1 Trailer light
The trailer lighting connect or 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 converte r, ask a dealer for the 
correct connector and pins.
+B Trailer Main
+B Trailer Charge +B ELEC Brake
IG2 HAC Back Light
Trailer Small Light
Stop Light
Pins’ wiring color codes and their purposes:
Right Turn Signal Left Turn Signal
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							457
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
■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, provinces and territories requir e 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.
■Automatic transmission cooler
An additional ATF (automatic transmission  fluid) cooler is required to keep the 
transmission from overheating  when towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg). You 
can get the additional ATF cooler at a dealer.
AWD models
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							458
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 lights  come on automatically if you brake to 
reduce vehicle speed.
1 Trailer Stability Assist
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 swayed too severely, the system becomes 
ineffective, and you may lose  control of your vehicle, 
causing the trailer to roll over or get damaged. 2 Driving Safely with a Trailer  P. 459
Trailer towing sway is caused by:
•Crosswinds
•Improper towbar down load
•Excessive Speed
The VSA ® system indicator blinks during the trailer 
stability assist operation. 2 VSA ® Operation  P. 517
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uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Continued
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.
• Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the tra iler so that they do not shift while 
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the traile r tires, including the spare.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits fo r vehicles with trailers.
• Use the 
(D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a  wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
■Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel 
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.
1Towing Speeds and Gears
When towing a fixed-sided  trailer (e.g., camper), do 
not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h). 
At higher speeds, the trai ler may sway or affect 
vehicle handling.
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