Towing Capacity & Recommended Weight Distribution for 2017 Honda Pilot

Question:

I have a 2017 Honda Pilot and am looking to tow a 2017 Micro Minnie. The weight is around 3,000 points unloaded and I am wondering if the Pilot will handle this OK? Also, for this set up, what would the best components be for weight distribution and sway control?

asked by: Chris P

Expert Reply:

Towing capacity for any vehicle depends on the specific factory-installed drivetrain equipment including the engine, transmission and differential and since there are multiple possible configurations for many vehicles a check of your owner's manual or the owner's info CD is your first step. I did review an online edition of your Pilot's manual and on page 106 the manual indicates towing capacity which varies depending on passenger load and whether or not the Pilot has a transmission cooler.

All versions can tow at least 3500-lbs so long as only 2 passengers are in the vehicle. Also note that the Pilot has maximum tongue weight (TW) ratings (page 107) that also vary based on passenger load and equipment. You can use a weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) set-up as long as your hitch's safety sticker says it is rated for use with them.

The key to choosing the right WD/SC system is knowing your trailer's actual fully-loaded TW, with all gear and supplies in place. We offer scale # e99044. To this you need to add the weight of any cargo in the Pilot that sits behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler or generator. This cargo weight will act just like trailer tongue weight. With the total figure known you can choose a system. Ideally your total TW will fall near the middle of the system's operating range.

Usually a properly loaded trailer's TW will be around 12- to 14-percent of its gross weight (it should not be more than 15-percent). So, if your properly-loaded trailer were to weigh 3800-lbs this would mean a TW of around 500-525-lbs. An excellent choice for this TW is # EQ37060ET from Equal-i-zer. But if your TW is higher, closer to 600-lbs, then instead you can use Reese Strait-Line system # RP66083. Both feature trunnion style bars for better ground clearance and both have integrated sway control that will reduce the tendency for the trailer to sway. You need add only a hitch ball to the Reese system; one comes with the Equal-i-zer.

expert reply by: Adam R