Why Do Trailer Hitches for 2016 Honda Pilot Have Different Capacities Than Owners Manual

Question:

I am trying to better understand how one hitch over another can offer different tongue weights. I am new to towing. My 16 Pilot 2WD has a max tow capacity of 3.500 with a tongue weight of 350 lb according to the available Honda trailer hitch. I want to purchase a trailer with a 400 lb tongue weight but want it to be safe. How much does this hitch get on tongue weight without a weight distribution unit? What gives it a higher rating than the one offered by Honda. Any information will be very helpful. Thanks.

asked by: Jeff G

Helpful Expert Reply:

First thing you should note is that the lowest rated component in a towing setup, whether it is the hitch, ball mount, or even the vehicle, is the overall towing capacity since you are only as strong as your weakest link.

If Honda states that the max tongue weight capacity for the 2016 Honda Pilot is 350 lbs then using a higher rated trailer hitch would not allow you to tow a trailer with 400 lbs of tongue weight.

Hitch manufacturers test the capacities of their hitches independently of the vehicle. So the hitch may have end up having a higher capacity than the vehicle.

It looks like the 2WD Pilots have a 3,500 lb towing capacity and the AWD models have a 5,000 lb capacity.

The Curt hitch part # C13146 that you referenced has a 6,000 lb total trailer weight rating and a 900 lb tongue weight rating.

expert reply by: Jameson C