Content .. 31 32 33 34 ..

Honda Pilot (2019 year). Instruction - part 33

511

Before Driving

Maximum Load Limit

Continued

Driving

Maximum Load Limit

The maximum load for your vehicle is 1,173 lbs (532 kg).

The maximum load for your vehicle is 1,340 lbs (608 kg).

See the Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver’s
doorjamb.

This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and

cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle’s placard.

(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers

that will be riding in your vehicle.

(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers

from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

Maximum Load Limit

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load.

2 Specifications P. 722

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle.

2 Specifications P. 722

WARNING

Overloading or improper loading
can affect handling and stability
and cause a crash in which you
can be hurt or killed.

Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.

Second row captain seat models

Second row bench seat models

All models

Label Example

512

Before Driving

Maximum Load Limit

Driving

(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and

luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)

(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being

loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.

(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will

be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.

513

Before Driving

Maximum Load Limit

Driving

In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.

Maximum Load Limit

Towing a Trailer:
See Towing a Trailer to determine whether your
vehicle is designed to tow a tailer.

2 Towing a Trailer P. 514

Load Limits Example

Example1

Max Load

1,173 lbs

(532 kg)

Passenger Weight

150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs

(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)

Cargo Weight

873 lbs

(396 kg)

Example2

Max Load

1,173 lbs

(532 kg)

Passenger Weight

150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs

(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)

Cargo Weight

423 lbs

(192 kg)

514

Driving

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

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 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.

■

Towing Load Limits

Towing Load Limits

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

2 Vehicle Specifications P. 722

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.

Total Load

Number of

occupants

AWD models with

ATF cooler

AWD models

without ATF cooler

2WD models

5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)

3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)

4,750 lbs (2,155 kg)

3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)

4,500 lbs (2,041 kg)

3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)

4,250 lbs (1,928 kg)

2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)

4,000 lbs (1,814 kg)

2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)

2,250 lbs (1,021 kg)

Towing not recommended

515

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

Continued

Driving

■

Tongue load

The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately:
Boat trailers: 5 – 15% of the total trailer
weight
Other trailers: 10 – 15% of total trailer weight

Tongue Load

Number of

occupants

AWD models with or without

ATF cooler

2WD models

500 lbs (227 kg)

350 lbs (159 kg)

475 lbs (215 kg)

325 lbs (147 kg)

450 lbs (204 kg)

300 lbs (136 kg)

375 lbs (170 kg)

275 lbs (125 kg)

250 lbs (113 kg)

240 lbs (109 kg)

125 lbs (57 kg)

115 lbs (52 kg)

Towing not recommended

516

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

Driving

■

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.

If the difference is

AWD models

2WD models

1 inches (2.5 cm)

150 lbs (68 kg)

1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm)

250 lbs (114 kg)

2 inches (5.1 cm)

350 lbs (159 kg)

2 3/8 inches (6.0 cm)

450 lbs (205 kg)

—

2 5/8 inches (6.7 cm)

500 lbs (227 kg)

—

Continued

517

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

Driving

■

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.

2 Tongue load P. 515

• 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.

Weight limit for

2WD models

AWD models

Front gross axle

2,734 lbs

(1,240 kg)

2,855 lbs

(1,295 kg)

Gross vehicle

5,545 lbs

(2,515 kg)

5,842 lbs

(2,650 kg)

Rear gross axle

2,965 lbs

(1,345 kg)

3,142 lbs

(1,425 kg)

Gross combined

8,025 lbs

(3,640 kg)

9,755 lbs

(4,425 kg)

1. Front gross axle weight.

2. Gross vehicle weight.

4. Gross combined weight.

3. Rear gross axle weight.

5. Hitched trailer weight.
6. Unhitched trailer weight.

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

518

Driving

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

■

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.

■

Towing Equipment and Accessories

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 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:

•

Ball mount, hitch plug, hitch pin etc.

•

Wiring harness kit

•

Trailer hitch kit (jumper harness included)

2 Trailer brakes P. 518

•

Automatic transmission cooler

Are available at a dealer.

Trailer brakes

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

Electric Brake
(Brown)

Ground (Black)

+B (Light Green)
(20A)

Stop (Violet)

Trailer brake controller
connector’s terminals:

519

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

Continued

Driving

The trailer hitch harness is used to install the
controller for the electric trailer brakes.
Insert the trailer brake fuse into the engine
compartment sub fuse box.

2 Engine Compartment Fuse Box Type B

P. 712

Electric Brake
(Brown)

Brake (20A)
(Blue)

Ground
(Black)

Brake Lights
(Sky Blue)

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

520

Driving

■

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.

■

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

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.

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.

+B Trailer Main
(Red)

+B Trailer Charge
(Sky Blue)

+B ELEC Brake
(Brown)

IG2 HAC
(Light Green)

Back Light
(Brown)

Trailer Small Light
(Red)
Stop Light
(Beige)

Pins’ wiring color codes and their purposes:

Right Turn Signal
(Green)

Left Turn Signal
(Blue)

521

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

Driving

■

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.

■

Automatic transmission cooler

An additional ATF (automatic transmission fluid) cooler is required to keep the
transmission from overheating when towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg). You
can get the additional ATF cooler at a dealer.

AWD models

522

Towing a Trailer

Trailer Stability Assist

Driving

Trailer Stability Assist

Helps to stabilize the vehicle and trailer when the trailer severely sways.

■

How trailer stability assist works

When the vehicle and trailer become unstable while driving, trailer stability assist
determines the cause. If the trailer oscillation is detected as the cause, and the
swaying increases, the system applies the brakes or controls engine output to reduce
vehicle speed.
Both the vehicle and trailer brake lights come on automatically if you brake to
reduce vehicle speed.

Trailer Stability Assist

Trailer stability assist is not a function that prevents
the vehicle and trailer from swaying. Avoid high
speeds, abrupt steering, improper trailer load, and
sudden braking to keep the trailer from swaying.
When swayed too severely, the system becomes
ineffective, and you may lose control of your vehicle,
causing the trailer to roll over or get damaged.

2 Driving Safely with a Trailer P. 523

Trailer towing sway is caused by:

•

Crosswinds

•

Improper towbar down load

•

Excessive Speed

The VSA® system indicator blinks during the trailer
stability assist operation.

2 VSA® Operation P. 553

523

Towing a Trailer

Driving Safely with a Trailer

Continued

Driving

Driving Safely with a Trailer

• 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. 514

• When towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,590 kg), use of gasoline with a pump

octane number of 87 or higher is recommended.

Towing performance can be affected by high altitude, high temperature, or
steep uphill.

• 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 pressures of the trailer tires.

• Turn off the Auto Idle Stop system using the Auto Idle Stop OFF button. The

trailer weight can affect your vehicle's brake effectiveness if Auto Idle Stop is
activated on a hill while towing a trailer.

• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the

(

D position when towing a trailer on level roads.

• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.

■

Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer

■

Towing Speeds and Gears

■

Turning and Braking

Driving Safely with a Trailer

Operating speed when towing a trailer must not
exceed 62 mph (100 km/h).

Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.

Models with Auto Idle Stop

Towing Speeds and Gears

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.

524

Towing a Trailer

Towing Your Vehicle

Driving

• Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the white (Hot) mark, turn off the

heating and cooling system

/climate control system

and reduce speed. Pull to the

side of the road safely to cool down the engine if necessary.

• Shift to the

position if the transmission shifts frequently.

• Change the gear position to

(

S position if the transmission shifts frequently.

If the vehicle tires slip when retrieving a boat from the water, keep the transmission
in

(

D. This prevents damage to the transmission.

If the vehicle tires slip when retrieving a boat from the water, keep the transmission
in

(

D and do not use the sequential shift mode in

(

S. This prevents damage to the

transmission.

Towing Your Vehicle

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. 716

■

Driving in Hilly Terrain

■

Retrieving a Boat

Automatic transmission models with shift lever

Automatic transmission models with electronic gear selector

Automatic transmission models with shift lever

Automatic transmission models with electronic gear selector

* Not available on all models

525

Driving

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

General Information

Your vehicle has been designed primarily for use on pavement, however, its higher
ground clearance allows you to occasionally travel on unpaved roads. It is not
designed for trail-blazing, or other challenging off-highway activities.

If you decide to drive on unpaved roads, you will find that it requires somewhat
different driving skills and that your vehicle will handle somewhat differently than it
does on pavement. Pay attention to the precautions and tips in this section, and get
acquainted with your vehicle before leaving the pavement.

Important Safety Precautions

To avoid loss of control or rollover, be sure to follow all precautions and
recommendations:
• Be sure to store cargo properly and do not exceed your cargo load limits.

2 Maximum Load Limit P. 511

• Whenever you drive, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.
• Keep your speed low, and never go faster than the conditions allow.
• It’s up to you to continually assess the situation and drive within the limits.

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result
in a crash or a rollover.

2 Important Handling Information P. 36
2 Precautions While Driving P. 533

Spinning the tires excessively can also damage the
Intelligent VTM4 (i-VTM4

) system.

WARNING

Improperly operating this vehicle on or off
pavement can cause a crash or rollover in
which you and your passengers could be
seriously injured or killed.

• Follow all instructions and guidelines in

this owner’s manual.

• Keep your speed low, and don’t drive

faster than conditions permit.

526

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

Avoiding Trouble

Driving

Avoiding Trouble

• Check Out Your Vehicle before you leave the pavement and make sure that all

scheduled maintenance has been completed. Pay special attention to the
condition of the tires, and check the tire pressures.

• Remember the route you choose presents limits (too steep or bumpy), you have

limits (driving skill and comfort), and your vehicle has limits (traction, stability, and
power). Failing to recognize these limits will likely put you and your passengers in
a hazardous situation.

• Accelerating and Braking should be done slowly and gradually. Trying to start

or stop too fast can cause a loss of traction and you could lose control.

• Avoiding Obstacles and Debris in the road reduces the likelihood of a rollover

or damage to your suspension or other components.

• Driving on Slopes increases your risk of a rollover, particularly if you attempt to

drive across a slope that is too steep. Going straight up or down a slope is usually
the safest. If you can’t clearly see all conditions or obstacles on a slope, walk it
before you drive it. If there is any doubt whether you can safely pass, don’t try it.
Find another route. If you get stuck when climbing, do not try to turn around.
Back down slowly following the same route you took up the hill.

• Crossing a Stream - Avoid driving through deep water. If you encounter water

in your route (a small stream or large puddle, for example), evaluate it carefully
before going ahead. Make sure it is shallow, flowing slowly, and has firm ground
underneath. If you are not sure of the depth or the ground, turn around and find
another route. Driving through deep water can also damage your vehicle. The
water can get into the transmission and differential, diluting the lubricant and
causing an eventual failure. It can also wash the grease out of the wheel bearings.

• If You Get Stuck, carefully go in the direction that you think will get you

unstuck. Do not spin the tires as this will only make things worse and could
damage the transmission. If you are unable to free yourself, your vehicle will need
to be towed. Front and rear tow hooks are provided for this purpose.

Content .. 31 32 33 34 ..