Towing a Trailer

Improper loading of cargo, as well as towing loads that are too heavy with the vehicle or trailer, can significantly degrade the handling and braking performance of the vehicle/towing combination, which may lead to a hazardous situation on the road. Always carefully check the correct loading of the vehicle and trailer before driving.

The vehicle models covered in this Manual are, of course, primarily passenger vehicles intended to carry people and their luggage. However, provided that a number of general rules given below are strictly observed, Honda vehicles can also be successfully used for towing a trailer.

The gross trailer weight, including the trailer's own weight and the weight of the cargo loaded in it, must not exceed the maximum allowable towing weight (see Specifications). The maximum allowable trailer weight depends on whether the trailer is equipped with brakes or not.

The maximum vertical load on the vehicle's hitch ball at full trailer weight must not exceed 50 kgf. For trailers with a gross weight up to 500 kg, the following rule should be observed: the vertical load on the hitch should be approximately 10% of the gross trailer weight. For example, if the gross weight of the loaded trailer is 225 kg, the vertical load on the hitch should be approximately 22.5 kgf. Adjust the hitch load of the vehicle by properly positioning the cargo on the trailer. As a starting point, it is recommended to position the cargo so that approximately 60% of its weight is located ahead of the trailer axle and 40% behind it. If the gross trailer weight exceeds 500 kg, try to distribute the cargo more evenly along the length of the trailer. Never load the trailer so that the rear of the trailer is heavier than the front, as this will unload the rear wheels of the vehicle and reduce tire traction with the road surface.

The gross vehicle weight and the gross trailer weight must not exceed the corresponding maximum allowable values (see Specifications).

The gross vehicle weight includes: the curb weight of the vehicle, the weight of the driver, passengers and luggage, the weight of the towing hitch, and the trailer tongue weight acting on the hitch. Remember that the weight of any additional equipment installed on the vehicle and the trailer tongue weight acting on the hitch (when towing a trailer) reduce the payload capacity of the vehicle by the corresponding amounts.

The most reliable way to check the correct loading of the vehicle and trailer is weighing. Load the vehicle and trailer as they are normally used when towing, and weigh them on a scale. Determine the gross weights of the vehicle and trailer, as well as the weights on the vehicle axles and the trailer axle. Compare the measurement results with the requirements in the Specifications.

Installing towing hitches that do not match the trailer's size and weight characteristics, or improperly installed on the vehicle, may cause damage to the vehicle's body components.

The design of the towing hitch intended for installation on your vehicle must fully meet all necessary requirements. If necessary, consult a Honda service station.

The towing hitch must be attached at several specially designated points on the vehicle body structure, so that the loads from the towed trailer are distributed more evenly and are carried by the body reinforcement members. It is prohibited to install towing hitches that rely only on the rear bumper, which is not designed to withstand such loads. Installation of the hitch must be performed by qualified service personnel.

Rear View Mirrors
Towing a large trailer (such as a "caravan") usually requires installing additional rear view mirrors with extended brackets on the vehicle. Check local laws and traffic regulations regarding towing trailers with passenger vehicles. Connect the trailer to the vehicle and evaluate the degree of reduction in rear visibility through the standard rear view mirrors. If the visibility is inadequate, for safety reasons, install special mirrors that provide the driver with adequate visibility of the area behind the vehicle.

Connecting the Trailer to the Vehicle
If you intend to purchase a trailer equipped with brakes, make sure that they have an electric control drive. The hydraulic drive design of your vehicle's service brake system does not provide for connecting any additional circuits to it, in particular for operating the trailer brake mechanisms. Any method of connecting the trailer brake system to the vehicle's hydraulic brake drive, however attractive it may seem, will reduce the braking efficiency of the vehicle and decrease driving safety.

When connecting the trailer to the vehicle, always use the safety chain. The ends of the safety chain must be securely fastened to the appropriate points on the trailer tongue and on the vehicle's towing hitch. Make sure the chain passes under the trailer tongue; this prevents the front end of the tongue from dropping to the road if the coupling separates. The free length of the chain must be sufficient so that it does not interfere with making turns with the towing combination at minimum radii, but the chain must not be allowed to drag on the ground.

Trailer Lighting and Signaling Devices
Since trailers of different makes may use different wiring routing, have the trailer hitch wiring installed by a qualified service technician. In some cases, an adapter may be required.

Before connecting the trailer electrical system to the vehicle electrical system, always consult an authorized service station.

Preparing to Tow a Trailer
Before driving, perform a pre-trip inspection of the vehicle and trailer.

Measure the tongue load on the trailer hitch using a conventional floor scale.

Check that the trailer tongue and safety chains are securely attached.

Check the condition of the tires and the tire pressure on both the vehicle and the trailer. Low tire pressure significantly degrades the handling of the vehicle and the trailer combination. Also check the condition and pressure of the spare tire.

After fully loading the trailer and connecting it to the vehicle, make sure the rear of the vehicle does not sag excessively. If necessary, remove excess load from the vehicle or trailer.

Check that the exterior lighting and signaling devices on the vehicle and trailer are working properly.

Check the current traffic regulations regarding the maximum speed of a vehicle and trailer combination. When planning a trip through several countries, review the local requirements and restrictions for towing a trailer in advance, as each country may have its own restrictions. Note: In European countries, the speed limit for a vehicle and trailer combination is set at 100 km/h.