Is Trailer Wiring Necessary or Difficult to Install on a 2003 Honda Pilot if Only Using a Bike Rack

Question:

Why is the cars wiring involved in the installation of a trailer hitch? Do I really need to mess with the wiring? I only need the hitch in order to carry a bike rack on my car. Also, is installation really something that an absolute car-lay-person can do? Please advise.

asked by: Angela

Expert Reply:

If you only plan on carrying a bike rack or another accessory, like a cargo carrier, with the trailer hitch on your 2003 Honda Pilot, you do not have to install a trailer wiring harness. However, the available wiring harnesses for your vehicle are very easy to install. If you ever plan on towing a trailer, you will need a wiring harness.

The connection point is in the rear cargo area as shown in the images for trailer hitch # 13328 (installation details and a video linked below). You would use wiring harness # 118336. This harness simply plugs into the port that is already on your vehicle in the cargo area. I have included installation instructions below. It is pretty much 1 step and for your vehicle you will need page 4. I have also included a video showing installation on a similar vehicle. Installing the harness on your Pilot will be very similar.

Installation of the trailer hitch will not be very difficult if you have the correct tools and someone to help. This hitch pretty much bolts into place without drilling or removing components from the Pilot. It is estimated in the instructions it should take about an hour.

expert reply by: Michael H