Towing Trailers with 4-Way Flat and 5-Way Flat Trailer Connectors with a 2014 Honda Pilot

Question:

Hi - My 2014 Honda Pilot appears to be like most here. It has a receiver and under the back on the driver side I can find the blue plug to hook a wiring harness to it. I dont know if that means it has a tow package. Anyway, it looks like I need part 118265. However, my trailer is a 5 flat. Im considering getting both parts 118265 and one of the Hopkins Multi-Tow parts. Do I really need both parts to pull a 5 flat trailer with my Pilot? Also, I have one trailer that is 5 flat tent trailer and the other is 4 flat utility trailer. If that makes any difference on what parts i need? I was just wondering what harm there would be in using part 118558 for my 2014 Honda Pilot to pull a 5-flat trailer? Concerned because i dont what i would lose as it looks like 118558 is a 4 flat, my tent trailer is 5. The other, more expensive way around is part 118265 to a converter like hm47570 but thats a lot more expensive. Also, I only need to tow a 5 flat tent trailer and a 4 flat utility trailer. No need currently for a 7 blade. Sorry for the follow up question, just didnt know what the consequences would be with a 4 flat vehicle and a 5 flat trailer.

asked by: Brandon S

Expert Reply:

The best way to be able to tow both the 4-Way and 5-Way trailers with your 2014 Honda Pilot is to use the 7-Way harness # 118265 and then use an adapter, # C35FR.

Normally a 5-Way trailer connector can plug into a 4-Way vehicle side connector but you will lose that one function. Usually the 5th function is for a reverse electric lockout on a trailer that has surge brakes. Without that function you would not be able to back up the trailer without the brakes engaging.

It is possible that the 5th wire is for something else though. You would need to determine what that 5th function, the one that is furthest from the covered ground pin, is for and if you can do without it or not.

If you can do without it then installing the 4-Way only, # 118558, would work out just fine. Or you could install this 4-Way and use a 4- to 5-Way adapter, # 20036. But then you would end up spending about as much as you would with the 7-Way and the adapter listed above.

If it were me, I would just go ahead with the 7-Way and use the adapter # TR20141.