Brake Controller and Trailer Wiring For 2005 Honda Pilot

Question:

I have a few questions 1. We have a 2005 Honda Pilot with a hitch. What parts are needed to convert from a 4 pin to a brake controller? 2. If we sell our Honda but do not provide/sell the brake controller depending on answer to 1 with the vehicle, can the vehicle still be used to tow with just the brake lights being controlled?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

I checked out the owner's manual for your 2005 Pilot and on page 175 there is a chart that lists the towing capacity for your Pilot depending on the number of occupants in the vehicle. The lowest amount is 1,200-lbs if you have 7 occupants and the maximum is 3,500-lbs with 2,3,or 4 occupants. These conditions are if the vehicle has a transmission cooler and a power steering cooler. Since you have no towing package I will make some recommendations for your vehicle.

If you do not have a ball mount and hitch ball for towing I recommend the 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.

First I recommend part # ETBC7. This is a universal brake controller installation kit. I have also attached a drawing that shows how the wiring is run for the # ETBC7 and a brake controller. The # ETBC7 plugs into the 4-way and with additional wiring gives you a working 4-way and 7-way trailer connector.

The brake controller I recommend is part # 90195. This is one of our most popular because it is easy to operate.

When working with electrical connectors I recommend using dielectric grease like part # 11755. This keeps dirt and moisture out of the electrical connections and helps prevent corrosion.

If you sell your Pilot and it has the # ETBC7, and the trailer they want to tow only has a 4-way connector and no brakes, it will take care of the lights on the trailer.