Towing Preparation

Towing Load Limits

Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving.

Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:

• Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back.
• Each occupant weighs 150 lbs (68 kg).
• Each occupant has 17.6 lb (8 kg) cargo in the cargo area.

Any additional weight, cargo or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight and maximum tongue load.

WARNING

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.

Detail

Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
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.

Refer to the trailer owner’s manual for additional information.

Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600 miles (1,000 km).

Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information

Specifications

* Not available on all models

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.

Tongue load

• 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.

Detail

Fully load the vehicle and trailer. An attendant who watches the scale is needed as all occupants should stay in the vehicle.

Weight limit for	2WD models	AWD models
Front gross axle	2,976 lbs (1,350 kg)	2,998 lbs (1,360 kg)
Gross vehicle	5,963 lbs (2,705 kg)	6,195 lbs (2,810 kg)
Rear gross axle	3,164 lbs (1,435 kg)	3,340 lbs (1,515 kg)
Gross combined	8,444 lbs (3,830 kg)	10,141 lbs (4,600 kg)

Weight limit for	Models with trailer hitch
Front gross axle	2,998 lbs (1,360 kg)
Gross vehicle	6,195 lbs (2,810 kg)
Rear gross axle	3,384 lbs (1,535 kg)
Gross combined	10,141 lbs (4,600 kg)

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.

Towing Equipment and Accessories

Towing generally requires a variety of supplemental equipment.
To ensure the best quality, we recommend that you purchase Honda equipment whenever possible.

Detail

Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/territory, and local regulations.

Consult your trailer maker for proper installation and setup of the equipment.
Improper installation and setup can affect the handling, stability, and braking performance of your vehicle.

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 available at a dealer.

• Ball mount kit.
• Hitch harness kit
• Trailer hitch kit
  

  Trailer brakes

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.

Detail

The 4-pin gray connector is located under the dashboard near the driver’s side interior fuse box.

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.
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.

Detail

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.

Hitches

The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.

Weight distribution hitches

Your vehicle is designed to tow without the need for a load distributing hitch. If you wish to use one, please consult your trailer maker for proper installation and set-up.
Improper set-up could degrade the handling, stability, and braking performance of your vehicle.

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

This device can be used if your trailer tends to sway. Your trailer maker can tell you what kind of sway control you need and how to install it. Improper installation could degrade the handling and stability of your vehicle.

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.