Have you ever found yourself wishing your Honda Accord could tow a small trailer or jet ski, but weren’t sure if it was possible? As an outdoor enthusiast and Honda owner myself, I’ve explored this question in depth. The short answer is yes – with some preparation and effort, adding a trailer hitch to an Accord is very doable.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll draw on my own experience as well as expert input to walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover:
- An overview on Accord towing capacity
- Step-by-step trailer hitch installation
- The best hitch types and brands for your Accord
- Towing safety tips and guidelines
Let’s get started! 🚗🚙
Hitching Up Your Honda: Is the Accord Up for Towing? ✔️
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When equipped with the right hitch setup, the Accord’s 252 horsepower, 4-cylinder engine can safely manage occasional lightweight towing duties. I’ve seen modified Accords pulling jet skis, small camping trailers, race cars, and more.
The sedan boasts sturdy unibody construction and a sophisticated suspension system designed for a smooth, stable ride. This makes adding towing capacity possible, though you must carefully adhere to the vehicle’s limits.
I recommend using an accessory hitch rated to class I or class II to stay within the factory recommended 1,000 pound tow rating. Trying to pull too much weight can overtax the drivetrain.
Let’s walk through what’s entailed in the installation process. This will help you determine if DIY or professional hitch mounting is best for your Honda’s make and model year.
Step-By-Step Trailer Hitch Installation Instructions ✔️
Adding a trailer hitch requires carefully disconnecting sections of the exhaust system to access the rear chassis frame. Holes must be precisely drilled to bolt on a specially designed hitch package.
Allow 2-3 hours for installation, and make sure to use jack stands for safety when working under the car. Here is the basic process:
- Prep the Car
- Disconnect Muffler
- Mark and Drill
- Install Hitch Bars
- Tighten and Reassemble
Prep the Car
Start by locating and detaching the rubber exhaust hangers holding up the muffler and resonator pipes. This allows everything to gently lower to open up the area.
Disconnect Muffler
The muffler and surrounding heat shields must come loose next. Carefully remove the fastener bolts and set parts aside.
Mark and Drill
Measure 5 inches from the heat shield corner and mark the frame. Use a drill to create holes for the hitch support bars to pass through.
Install Hitch Bars
Position the hitch properly aligned with the new holes and use extra hands to hold it in place when bolting everything down hand-tight.
Tighten and Reassemble
Finish by securely tormenting the flange nuts and reattaching the exhaust components back to the rubber hangers.
This summarizes the basics – be sure to follow the detailed installation instructions included with any hitch kit you buy. Taking shortcuts risks a faulty mount job and premiers towing failure.🙅♂️
For Accords, I recommend draw-tite, reese, or curt branded class I receiver hitches paired with a 1-1/4″ ball mount. These provide a balance of affordability, ease of installation, and rugged reliability for light loads under 1,000 lbs.
I’ll go over the differences between hitch types and classes next. This will help you shop with confidence!
Comparing Trailer Hitch Styles and Classes ✔️
There are primarily three common hitch configurations to consider when outfitting a vehicle like the Accord:
Receiver Hitches
This is the most popular style I recommend and use regularly. A receiver hitch bolts securely to the chassis frame and features a square opening for different ball mounts to plug into. Durable yet affordable.
Front Mounted Hitches
As the name suggests, front mounted hitches allow you to rig accessories like bike racks or small carriers onto the front bumper area. Less common but useful in some situations.
Rear Bumper Hitches
Basic lightweight hitches that attach directly to the rear bumper using welded brackets. Limited capacities but very budget-friendly.
Beyond physical styles, hitches are also grouped into 5 weight classes that denote towing and tongue weight capacities:
🥇 Class I: Up to 2,000 lbs
🥈 Class II: Up to 3,500 lbs
🥉 Class III: Up to 8,000 lbs
Class IV: Up to 12,000 lbs
Class V: Up to 25,000 lbs
For a Honda Accord, I suggest a class I or II hitch, paired with an appropriate ball mount and accessories. This keeps towing loads safely within the sedan’s recommended limits.
Trying to pull too much weight risks drivetrain damage and loss of control. I’ve seen transmissions burn out and engines overheat from excessive loads. 💀
To learn more about equipment classes and terminology for towing, check out my Trailer Towing Guide for Beginners.
Now let’s examine what the maximum towing capacities are for some popular Honda models. This provides some perspective on what lighter duty hitches are designed to handle.
Honda Towing Capacities By Vehicle ✔️
Model | Max Towing Capacity |
2022 CR-V | 1,500 lbs |
2022 Accord | 1,000 lbs |
2022 Civic | 0 lbs |
2022 Pilot | 3,500-5,000 lbs |
2022 Passport | 3,500-5,000 lbs |
As shown, the robust Pilot and Passport midsize SUVs can pull medium loads of 3,500-5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The CR-V compact crossover is limited to lighter 1,500 pound trailers.
The Honda Civic compact car has no provision for towing from the factory.
And the popular Accord splits the difference with a 1,000 pound total towing capacity. Choosing the correct hitch setup prevents exceeding these limits.
Frequently Asked Questions ✔️
Can You Put A Hitch On Older Accords From The 90’s?
Yes! Many draw-tite and curt hitches accommodate Accords back to the mid 1990’s. Just be sure to get the correct fitment for your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
Where Should I Buy A Honda Hitch – The Dealer Or Amazon?
For convenience, I would check with the parts department at your local Honda dealer to see if they stock or can order hitches. Expect to pay more than online though. Amazon and etrailer.com have reliable options that usually cost much less for the same equipment.
Is Professional Installation Required?
Technically you can DIY the project to save cash, but I highly recommend at least having an experienced mechanic check over your work. Improper mounting can cause hitches to fail while towing leading to accidents and injuries. Paying a little extra for peace of mind is worthwhile.
Can I Put A Hitch On Non-Honda Vehicles Too?
Absolutely! Reputable brands like Curt, Draw-Tite, and Reese make reliable, affordable hitches for nearly every major auto manufacturer. Just input your specifics when searching to find a custom fit.
The Road Ahead ✔️
I hope this guide gives you confidence when deciding if and how to outfit your Honda Accord or other model with towing capabilities. Please drop me any additional questions in the comments section!
While the sedan isn’t built for rugged utility like a truck, the right hitch accessories do allow for practical light duty hauling.
Just be sure to follow the vehicle’s weight limits, use quality gear, and practice safe towing fundamentals. 🚦
With the proper preparations, you’ll be on a road trip ready to head for the hills and bring your toys along too in your Honda. Happy trails my friends! 🏕️
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