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I have a 2013 Honda Pilot 4WD EX-L that has a standard equipment factory installed hitch with a 2" receiver.
I am looking to get a rear hitch cargo carrier/basket. Most of the carriers state they can support a 500lb load, but I doubt I would come anywhere near that. Perhaps 300lbs?
I read online that the maximum tongue weight for my vehicle is 450 lbs.
However, in my manual under the towing section (pg.#330) there is a chart based on occupants and how much tongue weight can be supported.
2 occupants = 450 lbs.
4 occupants = 330 lbs.
6 occupants = 160 lbs.
It also states tongue weight should be 8%-15% of total trailer weight.
Since I wouldn't actually be towing anything is this chart relevant to me?
or
Does the amount of cargo/passenger weight affect the maximum amount of tongue weight if the vehicle doesn't have a trailer?
We ran a rear cargo carrier on our Explorer filled with 5 suitcases since we had 6 people in the vehicle on a trip from Houston to Destin. It was probably 300 lbs with the carrier's weight. It ran just fine and I barely noticed that it was back there while driving.
One thing I did was to use some straps to firmly mount it in place since it did move around a bit while driving. The straps and heavy bungee cords kept it solidly in position.
Does passenger weight affect tongue weight if there is no trailer?
Yes and no. Tongue weight is, simply put, more passenger compartment weight. Just like passengers, it is weight on the vehicle's rear suspension. The hitch hauler could be called either one, cargo or tongue weight. Most of the time, from what I have seen, tongue weight should be no more or less than 10% of your trailer. That number is figured to allow for better handling and braking of a trailer. I would count the hitch basket as cargo. If your unit is rated to tow 5K, that means 500 lbs of tongue weight, understanding that there is another suspension system behind it. Your rig may squat a bit, but you shouldn't have any trouble unless your passengers alone make up more than your GVWR.
Great!
Thanks for the answer Electron.
Now I get it. For a hitch carrier it is just additional cargo weight on the vehicle itself and really has nothing to do with actual towing.
I *thought* TW meant how many pounds the hitch will hold before it completely rips off the chassis, which is why I was confused as why cargo & passenger weight would affect TW. Thinking everyone is inside the vehicle and not putting any pressure on the hitch itself, it wouldn't affect TW.
My GVWR is 6096 and its curb weight is 4489. (Tow cap is 4500).
So I guess it max's out at hauling 1600 lbs of people & their crap.
Last edited by brianosaur; 03-17-2016 at 07:22 PM..
Information overload. Want to put folding rear cargo carrier/rack on 2004 KIA Sorento with 375 tongue weight. Rack must be 24" wide to accommodate 3 string bale of alfalfa. Aluminum verses steel. What the heck am I looking for to reach this goal. HELP!
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