Complete Towing Set-Up for a 2017 Honda Pilot

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Question:

I want to know all the products I need to buy to safely tow a trailer with my 2017 Honda Pilot.

asked by: Walter I

0

Expert Reply:

Hey Walter, happy to help out!

You’ll be able to tow safely with your Pilot, you’ll just need the right setup depending on whether your trailer has brakes or not. I’ll go over both options down below so you’re covered no matter what.

If your trailer does not have electric brakes:

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Part # e98840
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness 4-Flat Part # C56291
etrailer Ball Mount with Ball and Pin/Clip Part # e38NR

If your trailer does have electric brakes, you’ll need a few different electrical parts so the trailer can brake properly with your vehicle:

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Part # CU86FR
Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Part # RED74CR (if you have a tow prep) or part # RED52VR (without the tow prep)

The reason for the different setup is that trailers with electric brakes require a brake controller and a 7-way connection so the vehicle can send braking signals to the trailer, this is what keeps everything controlled and safe when stopping.

If you’re planning to tow an enclosed trailer or camper, it’s also a good idea to add towing mirrors for better visibility. There aren’t any custom-fit options, but we do have a great universal set that will fit your Pilot, part # KS3891-2.

What kind of trailer are you planning to tow with your Pilot?

expert reply by: Gwendolyn Y

0

etrailer Hitch e98840
(click to enlarge)

Walter I.

3/23/2026

Hello. A small, simple trailer similar to those from U-Haul.

Gwendolyn Y.

3/23/2026

@WalterI All U-Haul trailer use a 4-flat connector and don't have electric brakes equipped on them. I'd verify with where you're getting the trailer from but I'm pretty confident that that you will need those parts and will need to get part # e98840, part # C56291, and part # e38NR

Walter

3/23/2026

@GwendolynY Thank you for you help. Now I'm going to shop with confidence.

Gwendolyn Y.

3/23/2026

@Walter Love to hear it Walter! Let me know how everything goes once you get everything delivered and installed.

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

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 3

Hey Bryan, that's a good question. The pricing can definitely be misleading, but I wouldn't use it to judge the quality of the tire. A lot of that comes down to promotions, inventory, and whether you're looking at a tire by itself or…

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Answer 4

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 5

The 5.30-12 tires, being wider, are going to make more contact with the road. This means that the noise, and heat build up will be higher than a 4.80-12 tire but the rolling resistance will actually be less because the tire is larger diameter. The…

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Answer 6

Hey Jonathon thank you so much for all of that additional information! To haul your bikes behind your class C Sprinter motorhome, while flat towing your Mini, I recommend the Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack item #HLY64FR and the Roadmaster Dual…

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Answer 7

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

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Answer 8

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 9

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 10

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Answer 11

The two sizes you mentioned are pretty similar and fit many of the same 15 inch wheels. The 205/75-15 fits rim widths of 5 inch to 6 inch whereas the 225/75-15 fits widths that are 5 inch to 6-1/2 inch. The 205 is 27.1 inches tall and the 225 is 28.4…

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Answer 12

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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