Trailer Brake Controller Recommendation for 2015 Honda Pilot Towing 17-ft 3200-lb Camper
Question:
Im getting a 2015 Honda Pilot as a tow vehicle for a 17 Casita camper, single axel, tow weight about 3200lb. It has a built in receiver and wiring harness. Sounds like a proportional controller is recommended, right? Been using a time delay controller on my older Pilot TV.What controller do you recommend? Do you have any idea where to mount it on the 15 Pilot?Thanks for your help.
asked by: Bill F
Expert Reply:
Trailer brake controllers come in both time-delay and proportional types, the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885 being an example of the latter. Generally we suggest proportional controllers over the time-delay type since they deliver more even braking action and tend to reduce the wear and tear on both the tow vehicle's and trailer's brakes. The linked article on brake controllers will give you further background on the advantages of each type.
The Prodigy P2 is an excellent and popular unit that is highly rated by our customers for its easy set-up and reliability. This unit also offers the flexibility to be used with either electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes, a handy feature not included in some controllers. For installation of the P2 in your tow-package-equipped Pilot you will use a quick-connect wiring adapter, part # 3070-P, to connect the P2 to the under-dash port on the Pilot. The linked video illustrates this process. The P2 requires only that you mount it level and perpendicular to the direction of travel; it can be positioned anywhere along a 360-degree vertical plane. Please refer to the linked photo.
Towing a trailer also requires a trailer wiring harness on the vehicle. If your Pilot does not come with a factory 7-way socket then you can use TowReady part # 118265 which is a plug-in item that requires no cutting or splicing of wires.
I suggest that before towing your camper you verify in your vehicle owner's manual (or with your dealership) that your particular Pilot and its hitch both have the necessary capacity to tow your 3500-lb camper. Some vehicles when used for towing require additional factory- or dealer-installed equipment such as power steering, transmission and/or oil coolers to handle the extra heat generated when pulling a trailer. I suggest that you confirm the vehicle's capabilities before making your first trip.
Also, most new vehicles are not recommended to tow anything in their first 500-miles or so of operation since in these first miles many engine components need to settle in, and the extra burden of pulling a trailer's weight can interfere with this important one-time break in process.
The linked article on the basics of towing will give you some useful guidance and also help you select an appropriate ball mount and hitch ball to suit your camper.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Honda
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
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