What is Required for Towing a Trailer w/ a 2004 Honda Pilot

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Question:

can a honda pilot 2004 model can tow pop up camper with 2000gvwr with out transmission/oil cooler installed? does it need also the brake controller installed since the pop up camper got electric btake on it? OR can i just flat tow my pop up with out those accessories installed?

asked by: Buddy

0

Expert Reply:

I looked up an online version of your 2004 Honda Pilot's owner's manual and it states that additional transmission and power steering coolers are required to tow. It also states that a trailer that weighs 1,000 pounds or more should have its own operating brakes.

I've attached an article on coolers that you might like. The firs thing in choosing one is find a place to put it in your Pilot. The best place is always in front of the radiator so it will get as much air flow as possible. And since you're looking at both a power steering and transmission cooler, size will matter. So I recommend the compact Derale Series 9000 Transmission Cooler # D13611 and the Derale 2-Pass Power Steering Cooler # D13210. Both are small so it will help you find a suitable mounting location.

For a brake controller I suggest the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885. The P2 is a proportional controller, which means it will apply the trailer's brakes in proportion with the stopping motion of the Pilot. This puts less stress on the brake's over time. To install any brake controller, you will need a 7-way trailer connector at the rear of your Honda. If you do not have one, part # ETBC7 includes everything necessary for a 7-way and all the wiring for the brake controller. I've attached a video showing how this is installed.

In order to install the # ETBC7 you first need a 4-way trailer connector. If you don't already have one, the Tekonsha # 118336 is compatible with your vehicle. It installs by plugging it into the wiring stored under the paneling in your rear cargo compartment. See the vidoe attached.

If you don't already have a trailer hitch, the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Class III # 75599 is a great choice. This hitch is rated up to 5,000 pounds so it is plenty for your 2,000 pound pop-up. Then ball mount # D-4, with # 63845 for a 2 inch hitch ball, and # PC3 for a pin and clip will complete your tow setup.

expert reply by: Charles S

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Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 3

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 4

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 5

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 6

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Answer 7

I definitely understand being a bit overwhelmed by the amount of options in front of you, however I can definitely help with differentiating the trailer hitches for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon along with explaining my personal recommendation,…

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Answer 8

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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Answer 9

Hey Piotr, thanks for reaching out! The weight ratings between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C94WR and Towsmart Trailer Hitch Receiver #TS96VR that fit your 2025 Kia Sportage are determined by the testing done according to those manufacturers. I…

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Answer 10

Hey Tim, The ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness #119250KIT is compatible with LED lights and has been used as a go to for years for people who have LED trailer lights. The light function is supposed send a tiny bit of voltage from the…

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Answer 11

Hi Jerry, For your 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV you would need the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C37RV for the trailer hitch. The right light kit for your Sorento is going to depend on a few factors. For models with the tow package, like you stated you have,…

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Answer 12

You are correct that both the Curt #C94WR and Draw-Tite #DT22MR you were looking at for your 2022 Hyundai Tuscon are very similar. Both hitches share the same 525lb tongue weight and 3,500lb trailer weight ratings, both share the same hidden…

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What is Required for Towing a Trailer w/ a 2004 Honda Pilot

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