Why are the Hitches for a 2017 Honda Pilot Rated so High?

Updated 10/22/2025 | Published 03/29/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(745)

$46.39

TowSmart Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(2)

$244.68

Question:

I have a 2017 Honda Pilot. OEM towing specs are 350 lbs TW and 5000 lbs towing with atf cooler kit. All hitches from you guys have a 900 lbs TW and 6000 lbs towing capacity. Why the big difference? Especially in tongue weight

asked by: Troy J

Expert Reply:

Hey Troy, that's actually a great question that I don't have the answer to. I see that the max towing capacity on the 4WD models is 5,000 lbs, but some of the hitches with an 8k rating seems a bit overkill.

The closest to that 5k figure looks to be the TowSmart Trailer Hitch Receiver # TS86ZR but even then it has a super high 900 lb tongue weight rating.

In this situation though, you are still going to be limited to your lowest rated component, so if your Honda can only handle up to 5k then that's all you get despite the hitch's higher rating.

If there is anything else I can do for you, please feel free to drop a comment and let me know!

expert reply by: Bryce D

Jon G.

10/22/2025

Hey Troy, how did things turn out with the TowSmart hitch on your Honda Pilot? Did the higher hitch rating make sense once you compared it to your vehicle’s limits? Your update could make it easier for others sorting through the same towing specs.