Tongue Weight Capacity of Trailer Hitch that Fits 2018 Honda Pilot

Question:

The Honda brand hitch when installed by a dealer only has a 350 lb. tongue weight rating. Your hitch has a higher tongue weight rating. Can I assume the Honda hitch is NOT as strong as your hitch? I am trying to cover all bases before I purchase a Honda Pilot. I am well aware of the tow rating of 5,000lbs from Honda, but I cannot understand the low tongue weight rating. The trailer that I want to tow will need at least a 400 lb. rated hitch. Thanks!

asked by: Michael L

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your 2018 Honda Pilot we have the etrailer.com trailer hitch part # E98840 that you referenced as a confirmed fit which has towing capacities of 6,000 lb total trailer and 900 lb tongue weight. This rating was determined after they designed the hitch to fit your vehicle so it has a capacity independent of the vehicle. What this means is your overall towing capacity will be limited by the vehicle and not the hitch since your vehicle has a lower capacity.

I'd verify the towing capacity you mentioned with Honda though as I would finding lower numbers than what you mentioned. For a 7-way trailer wiring harness that fits your vehicle too we have the # 118286 as a confirmed fit.

If you wanted to do some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

expert reply by: Jameson C