What is Needed to Tow a Trailer with a 2012 Honda Pilot

Updated 03/31/2018 | Published 03/30/2018

Question:

Just need the tow harness. The part that only goes to the truck to the trailer. My Honda pilot is ready and said it but I’m just missing one piece which is the harness if that’s what you call it

asked by: Angelita

Expert Reply:

Are you looking for a wiring harness to power a trailer's lights or the ball mount that slides into the factory hitch receiver on your 2012 Honda Pilot and then holds the hitch ball that the trailer connects to? Either way we have what you need. I've linked some articles on towing you might find helpful. Particularly one that outlines everything you need to tow a trailer.

All 2012 Honda Pilots have a 2 inch, Class III factory trailer hitch receiver already installed on them. In order to tow a trailer you need a ball mount that slides into that receiver. I've linked our complete selection of ball mounts to fit but you might be interested in our kit, part # 989900, that includes 2 different size hitch balls to connect to different trailers, 2 pin and clips, and 2 ball mounts that provide a different rise or drop. Also, take a a look at the "Ball Mount Basics" help article I've linked for you. It helps you determine how much rise or drop you need from a ball mount. The rise or drop helps make sure your traier is level while towing which makes the overall experience much better.

You also need a wiring harness to plug the trailer into your Pilot It's possible you arleady have one but maybe not. This powers the trailer's lights which is required by law. There's a connector behind your rear bumper that a wiring harness plugs into so the install is extremely easy. Then you also plug in a converter that goes to another connector in the rear cargo area on the driver's side. Other than that it's just installing some fuses.

There are two types of custom trailer connectors for your Pilot; a 4-way and a 7-way. Which one you need depends on the trailer. The 4-way powers just a trailer's light functions; running lights, brake lights, and turn signals. A 7-way powers the same functions, as well as brakes, reverse lights, and an auxillary power such as a trailer battery if the trailer is equipped with them. On your Pilot you can use part # 118558 if you need a 4-way connector or part # 118265 if you need a 7-way.

In addition to the help articles I've also linked some videos that you might take a look at.

expert reply by: Charles S