What is the max hitch weight for a Honda Pilot?
The max hitch weight for a Honda Pilot is 350 pounds (158 kg). This is the tongue weight limit when towing up to the Pilot’s 5,000-pound maximum trailer capacity with a properly installed Class III hitch.
Understanding the numbers you’ll see in Honda’s towing specs
Tongue weight (hitch weight) is the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch. The overall towing capacity reflects how much trailer weight the vehicle can safely pull, including factors like engine cooling, transmission protection, and payload. For most recent Honda Pilot models, the official figures come in at a 5,000-pound towing limit and a 350-pound tongue weight limit when properly equipped.
Key numbers you should know before towing with your Pilot:
- Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) when properly equipped
- Maximum tongue weight: 350 pounds (158 kg)
- Recommended hitch type: Class III, 2-inch receiver
- Important considerations: payload capacity, cooling for engine/transmission, and appropriate trailer brakes
These figures assume a factory tow package or equivalent equipment and an appropriate hitch installation. Always verify against your specific model year and configuration in the owner’s manual or Honda’s official towing guide.
How to verify the exact numbers for your vehicle
Because towing specs can vary by model year and trim level, it’s essential to confirm your Pilot’s exact limits using official sources and your vehicle’s labeling.
- Check the owner’s manual for the precise towing and tongue weight ratings for your year and trim.
- Inspect the door jamb or fuel-filler area sticker, which often lists the maximum trailer weight and tongue weight, along with payload capacity.
- Confirm you have the recommended equipment, such as a Class III 2-inch hitch and any factory tow package that may include cooling provisions.
- Consult Honda’s official towing guide or a dealer if you’re planning to tow near the limits or with non-standard trailers.
Following these steps helps ensure you stay within safe operating limits and preserve the Pilot’s drivetrain and handling characteristics.
Practical tips for safe towing with the Honda Pilot
Even when staying within the published limits, proper loading, hitch setup, and trailer braking are crucial for stability and control on the road.
- Load the trailer so that about 10-15% of its weight is on the hitch (tongue weight) for stability, adjusting within the 350-pound limit as needed.
- Distribute weight evenly on the trailer and use a weight-distribution hitch when recommended for heavier loads.
- Ensure the Pilot’s cooling systems (engine and transmission) are in good condition, especially for long highway climbs or hot weather trips.
- Check tire pressures and maintain proper sway control to minimize trailer instability.
Always prioritize safety: if you’re unsure whether a trailer is within the Pilot’s capabilities, err on the side of a lighter load or consult a Honda specialist.
Summary
The Honda Pilot commonly supports up to 5,000 pounds of trailer weight with a maximum tongue weight of 350 pounds when properly equipped with a Class III hitch. These figures can vary by model year and trim, so always verify with the owner’s manual, vehicle labels, or Honda’s towing guide before towing. By understanding tongue weight, trailer weight, and the required equipment, drivers can tow more safely and avoid overloading the vehicle’s drivetrain and suspension.
How do I know my hitch weight limit?
To determine hitch weight capacity, check the labels on all components (hitch receiver, ball mount, hitch ball) and use the lowest number found as your system's rating. For a rough estimate, you can also multiply your vehicle's Gross Towing Weight Rating (GTWR) by 0.100.100.10 to find the estimated tongue weight capacity.
Method 1: Check individual components
This video explains how to find the ratings on a trailer: 1mOntarioCampingYouTube · Mar 6, 2022
- Hitch Receiver/Body: Look for a sticker or stamp on the hitch itself, typically on the body under the vehicle, for the gross trailer weight rating and tongue weight capacity.
- Ball Mount: Check the shaft that inserts into the receiver or the mounting plate for a weight rating.
- Hitch Ball: The rating is usually stamped on the top of the ball or at the base of the shank.
- Determine the system rating: Take the lowest capacity number among all the components you've checked. This is your maximum hitch system rating and the highest weight you should tow.
Method 2: Calculate using vehicle's Gross Towing Weight Rating (GTWR)
- Find your GTWR: This is the maximum combined weight of your vehicle and trailer. Look for this in your owner's manual or on the vehicle's sticker inside the driver's door.
- Calculate the estimated tongue weight capacity: Multiply your vehicle's GTWR by 0.100.100.10. This is a common estimate for tongue weight (hitch weight).
- Example: For a vehicle with a 5,0005 comma 0005,000 lb GTWR, the estimated tongue weight capacity is 500500500 lbs (5,000×0.105 comma 000 cross 0.105,000×0.10).
- Note: This is an estimate. The specific component ratings will provide the precise, legal limits.
Important considerations
- Payload is often the limiting factor: Even if your hitch and vehicle can tow a certain weight, ensure your vehicle's payload capacity can handle the tongue weight of the trailer plus all passengers and cargo.
- Altitude affects capacity: For every 1,000 feet of elevation, your vehicle can lose up to 2% of its towing capacity. If you'll be driving at high altitudes, account for this loss.
- Consult your owner's manual: The manual contains the most accurate information specific to your vehicle. It will provide the manufacturer's official weight ratings.
What is the tongue weight of a Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot's tongue weight capacity is 500 pounds. This is 10% of the maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity available on AWD models equipped with the towing package. For 2WD models, the maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, so the tongue weight should be limited to 350 pounds. Always remember to check your specific vehicle's owner's manual for the most accurate information.
You can watch this video to learn how to calculate tongue weight and check its relation to payload: 1mChasing AdventuresYouTube · Jul 8, 2025
- Tongue weight: The amount of weight the trailer puts down on the hitch.
- Maximum capacity: The 500-pound tongue weight is only applicable when the Pilot is towing at its maximum 5,000-pound capacity.
- 2WD models: For models with a 3,500-pound towing capacity, the maximum tongue weight is 350 pounds.
- Check the owner's manual: It's crucial to consult your specific vehicle's owner's manual for precise towing limits and any other limitations.
- Payload capacity: The weight of the tongue is a part of the total payload capacity, which also includes the weight of all passengers and cargo in the Pilot.
What is the weight limit on the Honda Pilot hitch?
3,500-5,000 pounds
How Much Can the Pilot Tow? The towing capacity for the Honda Pilot is 3,500-5,000 pounds. For the Pilot, there isn't really a range for towing capability, it's simply two options. The 2-Wheel-Drive trim models have a capacity of 3,500 pounds, while the All-Wheel-Drive models' towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.
What is the hitch rating of the Honda Pilot 2025?
2025 Honda Pilot Towing Capacity: Built for Heavy-Duty Hauling. You can pull up to 3,500 pounds with 2WD. If you opt for the AWD version, you'll enjoy up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity.
