Brake Controller and Weight Distribution for 2010 Honda Pilot Towing 16 Ft Fun Finder Camper  

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A brake controller is not a vehicle specific item. Virtually any brake controller would work with your Pilot, but some work better and are more user-friendly than others. If the Pilot has the factory installed 7-way trailer connector on the rear bumper, installation will be very simple. There is a connector under the dash where the controller will plug in. I would highly recommend a proportional brake controller like the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160. Unlike brake controllers that use the older time-delayed technology, a proportional controller can sense how quickly the tow vehicle is braking, and send the correct amount of voltage to the trailer brakes so that the vehicle and trailer brake at the same rate. This leads to safe and predictable braking. There are less expensive brake controllers, but they are more difficult to set up, and are not as user friendly. You would also need the Brake Control Wiring Adapter, part # 3070-P, which allows the controller to plug into the connector under the dash.

If your Pilot does NOT have the trailer connector, you can still install a brake controller, but you would need to hardwire it using our Brake Controller Installation Kit, part # ETBC7. You would also need to install a functioning 4-pole trailer connector, part # 118491. I will link you to an install video showing the kit being used to install a controller on a 2009 Odyssey. Different vehicle, but the procedure would be similar enough that the video should be helpful to you.

Before choosing a weight distribution system, you will first need to determine the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of the trailer you want to tow. TTW is the tongue weight of the fully loaded and ready to tow trailer PLUS the weight of anything stowed in the cargo area of your Pilot, behind the rear axle. I have linked you to an article showing how to determine your TTW.

In my research, I found that the dry weight of the 16 foot Fun Finder is 3100 lbs and the tow capacity of the Pilot is 4500 lbs. A ready to tow trailer will have full water and propane tanks plus gear, probably adding several hundred pounds to the dry weight figure. Since we calculate tongue weight as being 10 to 15 percent of the weight of the trailer, it is almost guaranteed that the 750-1000 lb tongue weight capacity of the Pro Series # PS49583 system you mentioned would be too high for your trailer. If this system were used, the trailer would ride like a buckboard, and the trailer would not be heavy enough for the system to transfer any of the tongue weight to the vehicle, as it is supposed to. If you determine that your TTW is less than 550 lbs, the Pro Series # PS49901 would be a good choice. If the TTW is between 550 and 750 lbs, go with the Pro Series # PS49902. These systems include the weight distributing shank and the 2-5/16 inch trailer ball. Make sure the weight of the trailer does not exceed the capacity of your hitch, or of the vehicle.

I have also linked you to an article explaining more about how weight distribution systems work.

expert reply by: Mike L

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