Towing a Trailer
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.
■ Total trailer weight
3WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a
crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,
cargo, and everything in or on it must not
exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg). Towing loads in
excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
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 the
tongue load.
Total Load
■ Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight.
• Excessive tongue load reduces front tire
traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
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
2 Specifications P. 694
Tongue Load
Tongue Load
• To achieve a proper tongue load, start by
loading 60% of the load toward the front
of the trailer and 40% toward the rear.
Readjust the load as needed.
Continued
447
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
Towing Equipment and Accessories
■
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,
and where you are towing.
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.
■ Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.
■ 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.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
■ Trailer brakes
If you are thinking of getting a trailer that has brakes, be sure they are electronically
actuated. Do not attempt to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system. No matter how
successful it may seem, any attempt to attach trailer brakes to your vehicle's
hydraulic system will lower braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard.
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
Are available at a dealer.
■ Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories require special outside mirrors when towing a
trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.
448
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
■ 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.
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.
Grand (Black)
Left Turn Signal (Light Blue)
Right Turn Signal (Green)
+B Trailer (Light Violet/Red)
Small (Gray)
Brake Light (Green)
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.
449
uuTowing a TraileruDriving Safely with a Trailer
Driving Safely with a Trailer
Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■
Operating speed when towing a trailer must not
exceed 62 mph (100 km/h).
• 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.
2 Towing Load Limits P. 447
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer's tires.
• 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 pressure of the trailer tires, including the spare.
When towing a trailer, we recommend that you carry
a full-size spare wheel and tire for both your vehicle
and trailer.
Models with parking sensor system
Remember to unhitch the trailer before changing a
flat tire. Ask the trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer’s spare tire.
• Turn off the rear parking sensor system.
2 Parking sensor system on and off P. 585
• Turn off the Low Speed Braking Control system. It may activate if it detects the
towed object as an obstacle.
2 System On and Off P. 510
Towing Speeds and Shift Position
■
When towing a fixed-sided trailer (e.g., camper), do
not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h). At higher speeds, the
trailer may sway or affect vehicle handling.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the (D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
450
uuTowing a TraileruDriving Safely with a Trailer
Turning and Braking
■
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
Driving in Hilly Terrain
■
• If the Engine temperature near limit. Avoid heavy acceleration and high
speed. message appear on the driver information interface, turn off the climate
control system and reduce speed.
If the Engine temperature too hot. Do not drive. Allow engine to cool.
message appear on the driver information interface, pull to the side of the road
safely to cool down the engine.
If the Power system temperature high. Power may be reduced. message
appear on the driver information interface, pull to the side of the road safely to
cool down the power system.
451
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Behind a Motorhome
Towing Behind a Motorhome
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.
2 Emergency Towing P. 689
452
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