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exit32mama's avatar
exit32mama
Explorer
Oct 10, 2017

2012 Honda Pilot / 21 RBH hybrid trailer

Hi Everyone
I think I finally found the perfect trailer for our family. As you read this, please note that even though I am a woman, we have flipped roles in our family, so I am the power tools, engineering, math and car wife :) Aka, I will understand technical terms you reply with.

I have a 2012 Pilot with a tow capacity of 4500lbs. The trailer I found is a 2007 R vision trailsport 21RBH. ***Link Removed***the NADA listing. Per that, it is 2900 Lbs UVW. hubby is 300lbs and shrinking, I'm 150, my kids are 60 and 40 each and growing.

My biggest safety qualification for a trailer was dual axel, which this is.

We usually only go away for long weekends and in the summer. We pack light, and have the option to grocery shop once up there versus towing it with us.

I did this calculation online

Truck's Payload/CCC
1340
The truck's payload (aka "cargo carrying capacity") is found on a "Tire and Loading Information" sticker on the doorjamb and reads, "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XYZ kg or ABC lbs."
Driver's Weight
150
A common misconception is that 150 pounds is included in the doorjamb sticker; this is not the case. The entire driver's weight has to be deducted from the payload.
Weight of Passenger(s)
500
Total up the weight of all of your passengers (don't forget the furry ones!). Also estimate and include the weight of infant, car and booster seats if you have little ones.
Weight of Hitch
100
A safe estimate is 50-100 pounds for travel trailers and 250 pounds for fifth wheels.
Weight of Traveling Comforts
200
In the cab, we often travel with a variety of entertainment options for the kids (iPads, iPods, games, books, magazines, dolls, toys, pillows, blankets, etc.), a GPS, couple of maps, Big Rig book and a small cooler of drinks, cold snacks and a bag of snacks separate than that.
Weight In/On Truck Bed
Enter weight
In our truck bed, you'll often find a ladder, firewood (or equivalent), fire grill, wood blocks, sewer hose holders and misc. destination needs (for instance, when going to the beach- beach chairs, boogie boards, etc.). We also have a heavy 150 pound roll top truck bed cover. For folks in travel trailers - include the topper if you have one, bikes, kayaks, etc.
Misc. Extra Weight
Enter extra weight
Anything not previously mentioned should be included here. If you carry bikes on a front hitch, include the weight of the hitch and bikes. Pretty much if you or a previous owner have added anything to the truck from when it was delivered from the factory, it has to be accounted for.
Camper Type
Travel Trailer/Bumper Pull
Fifth Wheel
Camper Weight View Current Page Link
You're adding approximately 950 lbs. to the truck. You have 390 lbs. of payload capacity. Travel trailers typically have 10% - 15% tongue weight which gives you a maximum loaded camper weight of 2,600 - 3,900 lbs.


Do you all think this is ok? I went heavy on the passenger weights.
  • Btw I bet that sucker will weigh 4100lbs for a weekend and 4400 for 3 to 4 day event. No way would I use a minivan without slider doors.
  • Interesting. Another Honda Pilot towing thread.

    You'll be just fine as a weekend warrior properly set up with a WDH and tires aired up to max cold.

    Read my post here;
    https://forums.goodsamclub.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29475711/gotomsg/29481357.cfm#29481357




  • I towed a 3000 lb Kiwi trailer for about 5 years with our 2003 Honda Pilot using a weight distribution hitch. It did great, no problems. The Honda Pilot is one tough SUV. We live in the mountains, and it got a severe workout.