How Much Can a 2016 Honda Pilot AWD Tow and What Is Needed

Question:

Hi. I would like to purchase a food trailer and tow it with my Honda Pilot, Is it possible to get all of the right equipment and what would that equipment be to safely tow a trailer that is 14 feet long and weight is approximately 4500 and tongue weight approximately 620?

asked by: Shakara R

Expert Reply:

According to my research, the towing capacity of your 2016 Honda Pilot Touring AWD is as follows:

Occupants - W/ ATF Cooler - W/O ATF Cooler
2 - 5,000 lbs - 3,500 lbs
3 - 4,750 lbs - 3,250 lbs
4 - 4,500 lbs - 3,000 lbs
5 - 4,250 lbs - 2,750 lbs
6 - 4,000 lbs - 2,500 lbs
7 - 2,500 lbs - 2,250 lbs
8 Towing Not Recommended

Therefore, in order to tow the food trailer with your Pilot you will need a trailer hitch, wiring harness, transmission cooler, and ball mount/hitch ball. For a trailer hitch, the best option we have for you is the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13146 because it is a custom fit so no drilling is required, it has a hidden crossbeam for the best look, and it offers the most ground clearance. For a trailer wiring harness, I recommend the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness part # C56291 because it is also a custom fit which means no cutting/splicing is required and it comes with all the other parts (fuse, wire connectors, zip ties) you need. If your trailer has brakes I also recommend using the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit part # ETBC7L with the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller part # C51180 because it requires the least amount of modifications to the vehicle.

For a transmission cooler, I recommend Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets part # D13503 because it will be the perfect size to fit in between the radiator and grille. We actually have install videos on most of these products which I have attached for you. The correct ball mount/hitch ball should be the Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches part # 989900.