What Size Camper Can a Honda Pilot Pull?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

The Honda Pilot is Honda's largest SUV, designed to accommodate multiple passengers or cargo in its 3-row configuration. With accommodation for up to eight passengers, it fills the gap between midsize and full-size SUVs and is a practical option for family outings.

You might be interested in the Honda Pilot's towing capacity if you are considering it for your SUV needs, especially if you want to pull a camping trailer or large pieces of equipment. We will provide information in this article to aid in determining the Honda Pilot's towing capability.

How much can a Honda Pilot tow?

A standard Honda Pilot model, without any modifications or additional towing packages, boasts a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, making it well-suited for towing small travel trailers or campers.

This towing capacity applies to front-wheel-drive configurations. However, when the vehicle is equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), it can handle more substantial loads.

Thanks to the 3.5-liter engine in the Honda Pilot, delivering 280 horsepower, it can effortlessly tow these travel trailers without frequent stops.

The 6-speed or 9-speed automatic transmission that the Honda Pilot V6 engine is mated to provides a variety of choices for negotiating difficult terrain and even tackling off-road obstacles.

The business also offers customers the option to install an AWD system with intelligent variable torque management, bringing the vehicle's maximum towing capability to a powerful 5,000 pounds.

Can a Honda Pilot tow a camper?

In addition to the Pilot's impressive towing capacity, it boasts a payload capacity of up to 1,625 pounds. Furthermore, it offers additional safety features that enhance towing confidence.

One such feature is hill start assist, which engages the emergency brake when sensors detect the vehicle on an incline. To release the emergency brake, simply transition from the brake pedal to the accelerator.

While there are some campers on the market too large for any SUV to tow, smaller campers and pop-ups have gained popularity and accessibility.

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Thanks to the Honda Pilot's towing capacity, you can likely tow smaller campers, provided you have the appropriate towing equipment and the camper falls within the vehicle's towing limits.

Generally, if your trailer's weight is below 5,000 pounds, the Honda Pilot can handle it. Here are some examples of trailers that a Honda Pilot can tow:

• Teardrop trailer: Designed for one or two occupants, teardrop campers typically feature a distinctive rounded back edge resembling a teardrop.
• Standup camper: Despite their compact size, standup campers allow you to stand upright inside and often include full amenities, such as bathrooms.
• Pop-ups: Pop-up or tent campers are constructed from canvas or lightweight materials. They can accommodate a full family and conveniently collapse into a compact shape, reducing wind resistance during travel.

Does the Honda Pilot have a tow package?

The Honda Pilot offers an optional towing package that you can include in your initial purchase to ensure your Pilot is well-prepared for a day of towing.

This towing package comprises various accessories designed to facilitate towing, whether it's a camper or other items you need to haul.

Included in the towing package are essential accessories for a trailer hitch, such as a ball mount receiver that attaches to the rear of your Pilot, as well as a retaining pin and clip to secure the connection with your camper.

The package also features a trailer hitch harness equipped with a seven-pin round-style connector for seamless trailer connectivity and a trailer hitch locking pin, providing an extra layer of security.

Finally, you will receive a trailer hitch ball measuring about 1-7/8 to two inches, ensuring a secure hitch for your camper or small RV trailer. With these accessories, you can confidently tow your cargo without worrying about it coming loose during transit.

Honda Pilot towing features

Fortunately, your Honda Pilot is here to assist you. Here is a list of features that the Honda Pilot offers to ensure your camper journey is smooth and trouble-free:

Multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines

Towing a trailer can be challenging, so the multi-angle rearview camera is a valuable tool. Whether you are scouting for the perfect parking spot or hitching a trailer or camper, this camera offers tremendous assistance.

Having a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines is a versatile and welcome addition, no matter how you utilize it. The possibilities are endless.

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Hill start assist

Equipped with sensors that detect when you are on an incline, the Honda Pilot hill start assist system engages the brakes as you transition from the brake pedal to the gas pedal.

This feature is not only a no-brainer but also an excellent safety addition. Towing a substantial trailer or camper can be risky, even when done correctly on a smooth road.

However, navigating hills presents a whole new set of challenges. Use hill start assist to enhance safety for yourself and others, providing peace of mind that you are in capable hands.

Intelligent variable torque management AWD system

This system not only amplifies the Pilot SUV's towing prowess but also enhances performance on uneven road surfaces, making your towing experience more manageable.

Additional benefits of the Honda Pilot

Beyond its capacity for towing, the Honda Pilot has a host of features that make it a fantastic option for families and lengthy road trips.

Large families will especially benefit from its roomy cabin, which provides plenty of space in the back and the ability to fold down the third row of seats to add more storage space.

The Pilot makes it simple to travel with your family, as it guarantees there is adequate room for everyone's luggage while still allowing your family to sit comfortably.

Moreover, the Honda Pilot exhibits robust off-roading capabilities, thanks to its powerful engine and capable suspension. This means you can confidently take your Pilot camping, whether you are parking in a lot or exploring a new trail.

The Sport trim, in particular, is well-equipped to support off-roading adventures. Furthermore, the Honda Pilot's infotainment system enhances the overall driving experience during long journeys.

The dashboard's 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen makes it simple to access crucial apps, allowing drivers to control the system without being distracted.

A sophisticated rear entertainment system with a 10.2-inch high-resolution screen and Blu-ray compatibility is also offered. With this feature, passengers in the rear seats can stay entertained while you focus on driving.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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