2008 Honda Pilot Owner's Manual - Page 224

Main Menu Table Of Contents Towing a Trailer Your vehicle has been designed to tow a trailer, as well as carrying passengers and their cargo. To safely tow a trailer, you should carefully observe the load limits (see page 199 ), use the proper equipment, and follow the guidelines in this section. Be sure to read the Off-Highway Driving Guidelines section on page 230 if you plan to tow off paved surfaces. Total Trailer Weight: The maximum allowable weight of the trailer and everything in or on it depends on the number of occupants in your vehicle and the type of trailer being towed (see page 223 ). Tongue Load: The weight that the tongue of a fully loaded trailer puts on the hitch should be 5 to 10 percent of the total trailer weight for boat trailers, and 8 to 15 percent of total trailer weight for all other trailers. (See page 223 for limits for your towing situation). Too much tongue load reduces front-tire traction and steering control. Too little tongue load can make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway. Load Limits Exceeding any load limit or improperly loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed. Check the loading of your vehicle and trailer carefully before starting to drive. Towing a trailer that is too heavy can seriously affect your vehicle's handling and performance. It can also damage the engine and drivetrain. 220 2008 Pilot