Recommended Trailer Hitch and Wiring for 2018 Honda Pilot
Question:
I am interested in installing a hitch for a Honda Pilot 2018 Elite version. It come with 9 speed automatic transmission. I am planning to tow either just 2 bikes or 1 mattress. So it will be very light tow. 1. Do I really need the transmission cooling? 2. What hitch/accessories do I need? When I try to enter my info, I got the information for 6 speed Honda Pilot and not for the 9 speed one. Thank you
asked by: Bee
Expert Reply:
Adding an aftermarket transmission cooler is never a bad idea, as it can essentially prolong the life of a vehicle's transmission while also improving its overall performance. With that being said, with the extreme light duty towing that you plan on doing with your Honda Pilot, one probably isn't necessarily. Installing a cooler can also be a bit tricky for the Pilot that has the 9 speed automatic transmission like yours, which is why only the 6 speed models come up through our fit guide,
Starting with the trailer hitch itself for your 2018 Honda Pilot, I recommend the etrailer Class III Receiver Hitch # e98840. This Class III hitch is confirmed to fit your Pilot and will use existing holes in its frame for a no-drill installation. The spare tire will need to be lowered or temporarily removed during installation, but as long as it is the standard 18 inch or smaller spare, you will be able to re-install it with the hitch attached.
I have attached an installation video on the 2018 model Honda Pilot that you can use for reference.
In order to tow a small trailer, you will also need to add a wiring harness and ball mount with hitch ball. For a wiring harness, I recommend the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118760. This is a custom harness that will install by simply plugging into the built-in ports located behind the interior trim panel in the rear cargo area, on the driver's side. This will provide you with a 4-Way connector that will connect with and power a trailer's basic signal lights.
I have again attached an installation video that you can check out.
Then, when choosing a ball mount, you will want to make sure you choose one that features the rise or drop needed to tow your trailer level. The Convert-A-Ball Ball Mount # AMSC2 is a nice option that will work well with the above-mentioned hitch. It will give you either a 3/4 inch rise or a 2 inch drop and you can pair it with a 2 inch hitch ball like # 63845 or a 1-7/8 inch ball like # 19260. If this ball mount does not provide the rise or drop needed, you can take a look at the attached article which explains how to choose the best one for your particular setup. If you do not have a pin and clip, you could use # PC3.
I have also attached a couple additional articles on trailer towing that you might find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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
more information >
Convert-A-Ball Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 10,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Matte Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Shock Absorbing
- Convert-A-Ball
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
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 900 lbs TW
- 6000 lbs GTW
- 8000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 900 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: hitch
- Search Results: curt hitch
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer hitch wiring
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receivers for 2020 Chevy Colorado
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Class 1 and Class 2 Hitches for the Scion XB
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Video: Curt 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector Mounting Bracket Review
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2023 Honda Passport
on Trailer Hitch
