HONDA PILOT 2013 2.G Owners Manual

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uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
Driving
■Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately:
Boat trailers: 5 - 10% of the total trailer
weight
Other trailers: 8 - 15% of total trailer weight
To ngue LoadTongue Load
Number of
occupants4WD models2WD models with
ATF cooler
2WD models
without ATF cooler
2450 lbs (204 kg)350 lbs (159 kg)200 lbs (90 kg)
3400 lbs (181 kg)300 lbs (136 kg)
Towing not
recommended
4330 lbs (150 kg)230 lbs (104 kg)
5270 lbs (122 kg)200 lbs (90 kg)
6190 lbs (86 kg)150 lbs (68 kg)
7100 lbs (45 kg)100 lbs (45 kg)
8Towing not
recommended
Towing not
recommended

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■To estimate the tongue load
Excessive tongue load reduces front tire traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
You can estimate the tongue load by measuring the trailer hitch height from the
ground in the following steps:
1.Park the vehicle on level ground.
2.Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the trailer hitch.
3.Connect the fully loaded trailer to the hitch.
4.Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the trailer hitch
again.
5.Subtract the second measurement from the first measurement, then refer to the
following table.
If the difference becomes more than indicated in the table, distribute the load or
remove cargo as needed.
If the difference is4WD models2WD models
5/8”150 lbs (68 kg)
1 1/4”250 lbs (114 kg)
1 3/4”350 lbs (159 kg)
2 1/4”450 lbs (205 kg)-

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■How to weigh the trailer loads using the public scale
Check each weight in the order indicated as shown.
Refer to the table on the right for each weight’s limit except for the tongue load.
2Tongue load P. 330
•If you cannot weigh the rear axle, subtract 1 from 2.
•The maximum gross combined weight (4) decreases by 2% for every 1,000 feet
(305 meters) of elevation.
•To calculate the tongue load, subtract 5 from 6.
•Refer to the trailer owner's manual for additional information.
1How to weigh the trailer loads using the public scale
Fully load the vehicle and trailer. An attendant who watches the scale is needed as all occupants should
stay in the vehicle.
*: LX models
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and then measure the tongue load with an appropriate scale or
tongue gauge or estimate it based on cargo
distribution.
Weight limit for 2WD models 4WD models
Front gross axle2,921 lbs (1,325 kg)
Gross vehicle5,952 lbs
(2,700 kg)
6,096 lbs
(2,765 kg)
Rear gross axle3,196 lbs
(1,450 kg)
3,362 lbs
(1,525 kg)
3,252 lbs (1,475 kg)*
Gross combined8,466 lbs
(3,840kg)
9,579 lbs
(4,345kg)
1. Front gross axle weight.
2. Gross vehicle weight.
4. Gross combined weight.
3. Rear gross axle weight.
5. Hitched trailer weight.
6. Unhitched trailer weight.

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Your vehicle has a class 3 trailer hitch as standard equipment.
The jumper harness and trailer brake fuse are stored in the glove box.
2Trailer brakes P. 334
2Trailer light P. 335
Turn the knob one-quarter left to open the
cover.
uThe 7-Pin trailer connector and trailer
hitch are located.
■Towing Equipment and Accessories1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.
Trailer packages and products:
•Ball mount, hitch plug, hitch pin etc.
•Wiring harness kit•Trailer hitch kit (jumper harness included)
2Trailer brakes P. 334
•Automatic transmission cooler kit2Automatic transmission cooler P. 337
Are available at a dealer.
2WD models
Knob
7-Pin Trailer Connector
Trailer Hitch

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■Trailer brakes
Recommended for any trailer with a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more:
There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet.
If you choose electric brakes, be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not
attempt to attach trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic system, as it will lower
braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard.
The 4-pin gray connector installed in your vehicle has all of the circuits required to
install most electric trailer brake controllers.
Have a qualified mechanic install your trailer
brake controller following the trailer brake
controller manufacturer’s instructions. Failure
to properly install the trailer brake controller
may increase the distance it takes for you to
stop your vehicle when towing a trailer.
The trailer jumper harness is used to install the
controller for the electric trailer brakes.
Insert the trailer brake fuse into the engine
compartment sub fuse box.
2Engine Compartment Sub Fuse Box P. 455
1Trailer brakes
The 4-pin gray connector is located under the instrument panel near the top of the parking brake
pedal.
Electric Brake (Brown/White)
Ground (Black)
Brake (20A) (Purple)
Stop (Sky Blue)
Trailer brake controller connector’s terminals:
Electric Brake (Brown/White)
Ground (Black)
Brake (20A) (Blue)
Brake Lights (Sky Blue)
Touring models

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■Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.
We recommend that you have a dealer install a Honda wiring harness and converter.
They are designed for your vehicle.
1Trailer light
The trailer lighting connector is located behind the left side panel in the cargo area.
Even if you are planning to use the non-Honda trailer
lighting harness and converter, ask a dealer for the correct connector and pins.Left Turn Signal and Brake Lights (Red)
Back-up Lights (Yellow)
Electric Brake (Brown/White)
Right Turn Signal and Brake Lights (White)
Ground (Black)
Ground (Black)
Taillights (Green)
+B Charge (Blue)
Pins’ wiring color codes and their purposes:

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uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
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The 7-pin trailer connector is needed for your trailer lights.
When inserting the connector to the socket, check if the connector and the socket
are free of dirt, moisture, or other foreign material.
■Hitches
Read the trailer manufacturer's instructions, and select the appropriate draw bar for
the height of the trailer you will be towing.
■Weight distribution hitches
A weight distributing hitch is not recommended for use with your vehicle.
An improperly adjusted weight distributing hitch may reduce handling, stability, and
braking performance.
Touring models
Pins’ wiring color codes and their purposes:1. Pull the socket lid to open.
3. Hook the lid retaining tab onto the socket retaining tab.
2. Insert the 7-pin trailer connector into the socket.
Socket
Back Light (Yellow)
Left Turn/Stop (Red)
Electric Brake (Brown/White)
Right Turn/Stop (White)
Ground (Black)
Small Light (Green)
+B Charge (Blue)

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■Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
■Sway control
Recommended to use if your trailer tends to sway. Consult the trailer maker for
what kind of sway control you need and how to install it.
■Automatic transmission cooler
Install an additional ATF (automatic transmission fluid) cooler to help prevent the
transmission from overheating, and damaging. You can get the additional ATF
cooler at a dealer.
■Trailer mirrors
Many states, provinces and territories require special exterior mirrors when towing a
trailer. Install special mirrors whenever you cannot clearly see behind you, or if the
trailer creates a blind spot.
2WD models

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Driving Safely with a Trailer
•Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
•Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2Towing Load Limits P. 329
•When towing more than 3,500lbs (1,590 kg), use of gasoline with a pump octane
number of 91 or higher is recommended.
uTowing performance can be affected by high altitude, high temperature, or
steep uphill.
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
•Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
•Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
•Check the pressures of the trailer tires, including the spare.
•Drive slower than normal.
•Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
•Use the (D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
•Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
•Allow more time and distance for braking.
•Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
■Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer's tires.

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•Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the
climate control system and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool
down the engine if necessary.
•Shift to the (d position if the transmission shifts frequently.
If the tires slip when retrieving a boat from the water, shift to (1, and turn on VTM-
4r lock. Disengage VTM-4r lock as soon as the boat is out of the water to prevent
damage to the VTM-4r system.
Towing Your Vehicle
Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.
2Emergency Towing P. 459
■Driving in Hilly Terrain
■Retrieving a Boat