What is Required for Towing a Trailer with a 2004 Honda Pilot

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 # 2923, 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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