Complete Towing Set-Up for a 2017 Honda Pilot

Question

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…

view full answer...

Answer 2

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…

view full answer...

Answer 3

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.

view full answer...

Answer 4

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

view full answer...

Answer 6

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…

view full answer...

Answer 7

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…

view full answer...

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…

view full answer...

Answer 9

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

view full answer...

Answer 10

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…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Yes, it will work. You'll just need to cut the Lance 6-pin connector out and rewire it into the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector item #e99011. Here are the individual functions of that Lance 6-pin:…

view full answer...

Answer 12

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…

view full answer...

Complete Towing Set-Up for a 2017 Honda Pilot

Products Featured in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Continue Researching