What is Required for Towing a Trailer w/ a 2004 Honda Pilot
Question:
can a honda pilot 2004 model can tow pop up camper with 2000gvwr with out transmission/oil cooler installed? does it need also the brake controller installed since the pop up camper got electric btake on it? OR can i just flat tow my pop up with out those accessories installed?
asked by: Buddy
Expert Reply:
I looked up an online version of your 2004 Honda Pilot's owner's manual and it states that additional transmission and power steering coolers are required to tow. It also states that a trailer that weighs 1,000 pounds or more should have its own operating brakes.
I've attached an article on coolers that you might like. The firs thing in choosing one is find a place to put it in your Pilot. The best place is always in front of the radiator so it will get as much air flow as possible. And since you're looking at both a power steering and transmission cooler, size will matter. So I recommend the compact Derale Series 9000 Transmission Cooler # D13611 and the Derale 2-Pass Power Steering Cooler # D13210. Both are small so it will help you find a suitable mounting location.
For a brake controller I suggest the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885. The P2 is a proportional controller, which means it will apply the trailer's brakes in proportion with the stopping motion of the Pilot. This puts less stress on the brake's over time. To install any brake controller, you will need a 7-way trailer connector at the rear of your Honda. If you do not have one, part # ETBC7 includes everything necessary for a 7-way and all the wiring for the brake controller. I've attached a video showing how this is installed.
In order to install the # ETBC7 you first need a 4-way trailer connector. If you don't already have one, the Tekonsha # 118336 is compatible with your vehicle. It installs by plugging it into the wiring stored under the paneling in your rear cargo compartment. See the vidoe attached.
If you don't already have a trailer hitch, the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Class III # 75599 is a great choice. This hitch is rated up to 5,000 pounds so it is plenty for your 2,000 pound pop-up. Then ball mount # D-4, with # 63845 for a 2 inch hitch ball, and # PC3 for a pin and clip will complete your tow setup.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
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2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
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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 >
Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 10-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
Derale 2-Pass Tube-Fin Power Steering Cooler with Offset Mounting Bracket - 8-1/8" Wide
- Power Steering Coolers
- Cooler and Install Kit
- 8-1/8W x 2-1/2T x 2-1/2D Inch
- Dual-Pass
- With 11/32 Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Derale Series 9000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/ NPT Inlets - Class I -Extra Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Car
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 3-7/8T x 1-1/4D Inch
- With 1/2 Inch NPT
- Derale
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 5/8 Inch Diameter
- 4 Inch Span
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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