Does Install of Curt Hitch on 2026 Honda Pilot Allow for Spare to be Stowed Under Vehicle

Updated 08/06/2026 | Published 07/24/2026

Question:

On the 2026 Honda Pilot Elite, does the full sized spare still fit after installation?

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

Hey David, this is a great question but when you install the Curt hitch part # C22HR on your 2026 Honda Pilot the official statement is that you would be limited to using an 18 inch wheel spare. But we've heard from several people they could fit the 20 inch spare they had.

I attached a picture that shows a spare mounted with this hitch installed for you to compare to what you have.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Spare with Hitch
(click to enlarge)

Kris B.

7/28/2026

I have a 2025 Honda pilot sport with 20 inch wheels. You have to remove the spare to install the hitch. Once done installing put the tire back in its place. It fits. I also used the wiring kit. I’ve put hitch on many vehicles. And this hitch along with the wiring kit was the easiest I’ve ever done. Good luck.

Jameson C.

7/28/2026

@KrisB that's awesome! I am glad you were able to fit the full size spare back in place. That's really good feedback.

Randy Z.

7/28/2026

I installed said hitch on a 2026 Pilot Black Edition with no issues with the spare tire going back into place.

Jameson C.

7/28/2026

@RandyZ thanks for letting us know!

Al C.

7/28/2026

The 2026 Pilot Elite does not have a full size spare. The equipped temporary spare will fit with the hitch. However, the motion detector to open the hatch with your foot will no longer work since the hitch will be in the way of your sensor. Turn the sensor off in the car's settings in the system.

Jameson C.

7/28/2026

@AlC good to know thanks for sharing!

David

8/2/2026

Thanks, Jameson. I have the hitch in my cart. Is the proper wiring package part #C48ZV, or are there other options for the '26 Pilot?

Jameson C.

8/3/2026

@David yep! The part # C48ZV would be correct trailer wiring.

David

8/6/2026

@JamesonC - I got the hitch installed pretty easily, although it would have been much easier with a second person. I watched the video on the C48ZV installation. Seems like on the 2026 Pilot, Honda has changed the foam insert where the jack is stored. It blocks the forward side so that you can't reach in and get the connector. Any insights or recommendations? David

Jameson C.

8/6/2026

@David I checked again and Curt still lists this for the 26 model but they don't have a different set of instructions for it. Did you also check out the attached written instructions as well or did you just watch the install video?

Helpful Links

instructions.aspx?pn=c48zv