Towing with Honda Pilot

[rgrugg]

If you’ve towed with either a Honda Pilot or Ridgeline did you need airbags or a weight distributing hitch? I have a 2019 Pilot that I have not yet towed with. I have a 2015 Escape19. Thanks

[DaveMinBako]

Would be good to check with Honda on the WDH, as they in the past have advised against using one - guess there can be issues.

[Don Barnes]

I have towed my Casita 17" with a 2013 Pilot for 18 months and have had no problems. Mine is rated for 5000 lb.

[threepine]

I tow a lighter trailer, a 17' Bigfoot with my 2010 Gen1 Ridgeline and I use a WD hitch...really works well.

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by DaveMinBako

Would be good to check with Honda on the WDH, as they in the past have advised against using one - guess there can be issues.

Their warning is a bit ambiguous, along the lines of "not recommended because an improperly adjusted WDH can cause..." Sounds more like lawyerly CYA from damage due to improper use than a blanket prohibition. With a FWD or AWD vehicle towing near the maximum recommended tongue weight, a properly sized and tensioned WDH will improve handling and ride. With an independent rear suspension it might also prevent uneven tire wear due to rear end squat. It should not be used to exceed the rating, of course.

What's the typical tongue weight on your E19, Bob? Will you carry much in the way of extra passengers or gear in the back?

[rgrugg]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

Their warning is a bit ambiguous, along the lines of "not recommended because an improperly adjusted WDH can cause..." Seems more like a legal protection from damage due to improper use than a blanket prohibition. With a FWD or AWD vehicle towing near the maximum recommended tongue weight, a properly sized and tensioned WDH will improve handling and ride. With an independent rear suspension it might also prevent uneven tire wear due to rear end squat. It should not be used to exceed the rating, of course.

What's the typical tongue weight on your E19, Bob? Will you carry much in the way of extra passengers or gear in the back?

One extra passenger and gear in the tow vehicle will likely be less than 100 pounds.

[RussRich]

I towed our Scamp 16 (rated 5000 lb) without a WDH and never had a problem. Looking forward to doing the same with our 2021 Pilot.