Recommended Brake Controller and Weight Distribution for 2019 Honda Pilot Towing 2026 Geo Pro 17LE

Updated 03/22/2026 | Published 03/18/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(2675)

$184.45

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3898)

$20.94

1-7/8" 12pt Shallow Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel

(287)

$19.92

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(853)

$767.13

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(169)

$561.79

Question:

Hello, I am looking for recommendations on a brake controller and a weight distribution hitch. My tow vehicle is a 2019 Honda Pilot EXL AWD, with dealer installed transmission cooler and hitch, making this rated for 5,000lb towing capacity. The travel trailer I am looking at is a 2026 Geo Pro 17LE. What brake controller and what WDH would you recommend with this combo? Thanks in advance.

asked by: Cody G

Expert Reply:

Hey Cody! The brake controller I recommend for your setup is the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED74CR. The Liberty is simple, reliable, and has a really clean look once installed. The main unit is hidden so the only thing you see is the control knob in the dash. The knob acts as the override and controls the brake power. This comes with a custom wiring harness to plug into your 2019 Pilot factory wiring.

The right weight distribution hitch is based on the tongue weight of your trailer. The 2026 Geo Pro 17LE has an unloaded tongue weight of 305 lbs and a GVWR of 3,805 lbs. Tongue weight is typically 10-15% of your loaded trailer weight so at the high end you're looking at around 570 lbs.

Based on this I recommend the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Hitch # FA92-00-0600. This e2 has a tongue weight range of 250 lbs - 600 lbs so you're covered when the trailer is fully loaded heading out and a little lighter coming back. It has trunnion bars which will give you better ground clearance and then 2-point sway control. It looks like the coupler on that trailer uses a 2" ball so you will also need # A-90 along with # ALL643216 for hitch ball installation.

The trailer is pretty light so I think the 2-point will be enough. However, if you're going to be towing a lot, or just want the best, the Equal-i-zer # EQ37060ET is like the upgraded version of the Fastway. Equal-i-zer actually makes Fastway, and this is their main system with 4-point sway control. This comes with a 2-5/16" ball so you will still need the other hitch ball and thin walled socket for installation.

Where are you headed once you pick up the Geo Pro?

expert reply by: Robin H

Fastway e2
(click to enlarge)

Cody G.

3/20/2026

Hi Robin, thanks for the response. Regarding the Fastway e2, what made you recommend this over the other options in this weight rating, such as Curt, Reese or Blue Ox? I am not disagreeing with this, as I don't have the experience level with WDH's, but just wanting to learn more from your perspective. Also, can you provide the weight of the Fastway e2 when installed as I need to calc that into my tongue weight limitations on the tow vehicle. Thanks,

Robin H.

3/20/2026

@CodyG great question. Equal-i-zer (again makes Fastway) has been in the business of weight distribution for a long time. They have proven designs that are effective and reliable. There is a reason they are widely considered the best, and customers are rarely unhappy with the decision to use one of their hitches. Curt isn't bad, everything has its place, but I'll say it is more in line with the "budget friendly" category. If you tow once a year it is worth considering. Reese makes some good stuff as well but, their parts are mostly gone after the parent company (First Brands) went bankrupt and right now they're for sale. This is the 2nd time in the last few years we have run into this with that family of companies, not sure when they will be back. If parts aren't available when you need them that isn't a good thing. It also makes a warranty worthless. Blue Ox is popular, a lot of people like the SwayPro. I prefer the design and performance of Equal-i-zer and Fastway (at least the e2 trunnion) systems over their designs in most cases. The only system I really wouldn't recommend is the Andersen. They make some other great products but I have used their WDH and in my experience it is just a really complicated ball mount.

Robin H.

3/20/2026

@CodyG I got caught up in all of that about the different systems and missed the weight piece. Manufacturers all state that the weight of the system does not count as additional tongue weight. It becomes a part of the hitch/frame of the vehicle so you don't have to factor that in.

Cody G.

3/20/2026

@RobinH If able, could you please provide that weight information? I still have to consider payload capacity at minimum. Also, the WDH is on the hitch and/or tongue of the trailer, as such I want to factor that in to my tongue weight. Appreciate all the info and your input on everything so far. I plan on making those purchases soon.

See All (5) Replies to Cody G. ∨

Paul M.

3/21/2026

My Redarc brake controller is the nuts! It’s the third controller I have had and this leaves the others far behind. I don’t trailer often but this one and it’s blue-to-red visual display of functioning is just what I need to ensure that it’s working and set to the braking power I need. I’ll never have another brand.

Steve K.

3/21/2026

Cody, I would add that installation of the Red Arc Tow Pro Liberty was really easy. Honda provides a pre-installed connecter for a brake controller that is stashed behind the lower dash on the left side. Mine was taped to a piece of the structural metal and was admittedly a little hard to see, but it is there. You just plug the Red Arc connector into Honda's factory connector, the plug in the Red Arc provided cable from the brake controller to the control knob. Kudos to Honda for making this part so easy. I had a blank space where the "Run off road mitigation" and other buttons are located down by your left knee. The adaptor for the control knob that e-trailer specified actually did not work, it was too small. I ended up removing the blank adaptor from the dash and then used a Dremel tool to grind out the internal plastic on the back to make room for the control knob. It took some time, but the end result looks really good. Good luck!

Begey B.

3/21/2026

I purchased a red arc brake control for my 2022 Ridge line black edition, Installing it was extremely easy, the brake control knob is small so it doesn’t stand out .It works flawlessly, A great product!!

Ron C.

3/21/2026

Hi I installed a Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness on a 2025 Honda Pilot Touring. OEM Tow Package rated for 5000 lbs tow capacity. The controller was an easy install. The mechanic I used got it done without removing the bumper. Easy connection to the 7 pin connector in the back. Under the dash install was seamless, control know went right into an existing dash button slot. Recently drove to from NC to Ft Worth, worked well. Honda nor Casita will recommend a WDH and I have been towing with just a hitch with no issues. Good service from ETrailer.