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

Do not exceed the maximum allowable weight of the trailer, cargo, and everything in or on it shown in the table. Towing loads in excess of this can seriously affect vehicle handling and performance and can damage the engine and drivetrain.

Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:

Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back

Each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg)

Each occupant has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area

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

Towing Load Limits

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

How 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.

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

Your vehicle has a class 3 trailer hitch as standard equipment. The jumper harness and trailer brake fuse are stored in the glove box.

Turn the knob one-quarter left to open the cover.

 - The 7-Pin trailer connector and trailer hitch are located.

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. 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)

2WD models

Automatic transmission cooler kit

Are available at a dealer.

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.

Touring models

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.

Trailer brakes

The 4-pin gray connector is located under the instrument panel near the top of the parking brake pedal.

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.

Trailer 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.

Touring models

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.

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.

2WD models

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.