[JustHere4thePopcorn]

I've not purchased a Passport yet but have done my research and am very much leaning toward a 2024 Passport Trailsport around January 2024 (other considerations were Outback XT and Tacoma 4-door). I ruled out the OB due to 3500 lbs tow capacity and the Tacoma for cramped space in the rear seats. I like the new blue color, the redesigned console, the all terrain tires, and the tuned suspension. Otherwise, I would consider a good deal on a 2023 Passport Trailsport to save $3-4K. I typically keep a vehicle for 10+ years.

I don't plan on any major modifications but do plan to purchase a small camper and tow it with the Passport. I also have a tandem axle trailer that I use to pull a Kubota L2501 with attachments a few times a year (occasional work and service) and plan to have a single axle trailer for around-the-house projects. Regarding the (future) camper, we may pull it 5-6 times a year mostly to locations within 200 miles of Fort Smith, AR but may want to do occasional 1,000+ mile trips.

I've read a lot of towing threads on this forum and many say that towing will put excessive wear on vehicle parts; and they say don't do it. My question is: if you have a transmission cooler, trailer brakes, stay under 4000 lbs loaded camper weight (80% of tow capacity), and drive responsibly, why would the Passport wear and tear from towing be any different from towing with a truck or other vehicle rated to tow 5000 lbs?

Additionally, should the tuned suspension on the 2024 help with towing? And should the all terrain tires have a better tow rating/performance?

I tow a 21' bay boat, about 3500 lbs total weight. I added the trans cooler. It tows great. I made sure that the tongue weight was well balanced. OEM hitch.

 

[Riverrunnermo]

What did you get for a brake controller?

I also installed the RedArc Pro Liberty - and the install was, generally, fairly easy. However: the fitting sent with the unit to go in the spare blank cover location was a pain. I did some minor Dremel work and the piece then fit well. I like the location, out of the way from my knee but just within reach to adjust. I find that it is not "Visible" in that location, but have to feel for the knob a bit.
I tow a T@B 320s camper from NuCamp - a mid-size teardrop that fits in my garage. The 2022 Passport pulls it nicely, and is hardly noticed in our flatlands area of the midwest. Last tow: Kansas City to Oshkosh Wisconsin (9 hours). Mileage dropped from our 26ish down to 12ish mpg at highway speeds, stop and go through small town USA, etc. The brake controller worked flawlessly.

 

[Evergreen]

I also installed the RedArc Pro Liberty - and the install was, generally, fairly easy. However: the fitting sent with the unit to go in the spare blank cover location was a pain. I did some minor Dremel work and the piece then fit well. I like the location, out of the way from my knee but just within reach to adjust. I find that it is not "Visible" in that location, but have to feel for the knob a bit.
I tow a T@B 320s camper from NuCamp - a mid-size teardrop that fits in my garage. The 2022 Passport pulls it nicely, and is hardly noticed in our flatlands area of the midwest. Last tow: Kansas City to Oshkosh Wisconsin (9 hours). Mileage dropped from our 26ish down to 12ish mpg at highway speeds, stop and go through small town USA, etc. The brake controller worked flawlessly.

Agree 100% - I tossed the spare blank cover and utilized the existing Honda cover. It was a much better fit, easier install and kept it factory looking instead of the black cover provided by RedArc. Granted, you have to either dremel out the back of the Honda blank or utilize a hot iron (wood burning set) to remove the supports on the back but it worked perfectly for mounting the RedArc switch.

 

[OldMarine]

It's not a truck. My experience towing off road hasn't been great. On road, towing is a breeze, and MPG isn't terrible. You might forget there's a trailer back there. I have and recommend the OEM hitch rather than an add-on

 

[OldMarine]

I strongly 2nd the OEM hitch

 

[Another23PassportOwner]

I went with an aftermarket hitch because it's an easy DIY job and the price was right. It has the same capacity as the OEM one, but it sits lower. I've compensated by adding a channel-style height adjustable hitch, which has eaten into the savings. I think I'd opt for the OEM hitch if I were to do it again.

 

[OldMarine]

Yeah, that's why I opted for the OEM hitch. Purchased from Honda Parts Connection. Shipping was steep due to the weight, but with shipping included it came to $530.00. Paid my garage $250.00 to install it. Honda service would have been $500.00 more. It looks so much nicer than aftermarket.

 

[tm1219]

Yeah, that's why I opted for the OEM hitch. Purchased from Honda Parts Connection. Shipping was steep due to the weight, but with shipping included it came to $530.00. Paid my garage $250.00 to install it. Honda service would have been $500.00 more. It looks so much nicer than aftermarket.

I think its crazy that when you buy a model with the hitch they dont include the trailer plug!

 

[Slagmi]

I think its crazy that when you buy a model with the hitch they dont include the trailer plug!

Mine did ask the dealer where it's at!

I think its crazy that when you buy a model with the hitch they dont include the trailer plug!

Mine did ask the dealer where it's at!

 

[Chef Duane]

I got one when they installed my hitch but I noticed one day that it fell out. That or someone reeeealllly wanted a Honda logo hitch cap.

 

[tm1219]

I got one when they installed my hitch but I noticed one day that it fell out. That or someone reeeealllly wanted a Honda logo hitch cap.

I am referring to the trailer plug for powering the lights

 

[Chef Duane]

I am referring to the trailer plug for powering the lights

Ah. Never mind.

 

[Slagmi]

Yea our boat trailer plugs right in but the others are four and five flats, so they don't. The only wiring adapter that comes with the OEM hitch is for brake control.

 

[LynneAnn]

I don't forsee towing offroad. It's good to hear another positive about towing on road. I'm hoping to get 15 mpg (my 2014 RAM 1500 4x4 is around 10 mpg). I'll definitely be installing the EOM hitch, trailer brake, and AT cooler.

I just purchased the Trail Sport model and I believe it comes standard with the trailer brake control and the AT cooler. The dealer also had the blue version in their showroom with a showroom discount, but it is way up here in Mass. I haven't used it to trailer yet, but I will. I hope both of us have good experiences. Enjoy!

 

[HarveyW]

I just purchased the Trail Sport model and I believe it comes standard with the trailer brake control and the AT cooler. The dealer also had the blue version in their showroom with a showroom discount, but it is way up here in Mass. I haven't used it to trailer yet, but I will. I hope both of us have good experiences. Enjoy!

Unlikely that it comes with a trailer brake controller. The wiring and harness is there for a brake controller, but with the different type of controllers, delayed time or proportional, it is unlikely that Honda would install a brake controller in factory. If there were a brake controller you would have an interface of some kind to set it up.

 

[valsimonson]

I have had a good experience with eTrailer tow hitch. Added it myself. Bolts on beautifully. I purchased the OEM Tranny Cooler parts and carried them into one of our metro Honda Dealer Service shops after price checking. One was significantly less in shop cost. They then added the "5,000 lb sticker" to the hitch and I am good for towing. We tow a NuCamp T@B 320s teardrop with shower and interior kitchen. The 2022 Passport Elite tows great. Better than my old Subaru Outback by far. We towed from KC to Oshkosh and all was good. RedArc electric brake system worked well after adjusting. I tried using the strap-on tow mirrors but they really do not fit. The mirrors for the Passport were fine for towing the T@B, but if I were towing something wider, would look for some new tow mirrors. Advice: Never tow anything over your weight limits and that includes cargo and passengers within the Tow Vehicle. Take your time and hook up carefully. Ensure all electrics are working prior to starting out. Have a checklist for hook-up and for stowing the trailer after towing. Checklists are available everywhere. And then enjoy the journey!

Thank you for this! I have a 21 320s boondock and am looking at the passport as a tow vehicle. I had an outback as well - but with a 200lb tongue weight and 3 boxes on the front of the camper - I know I am exceeding that - if only by 50# - still enough to part with it. (only towing 6 or 7 times a year.

 

[tmcblane]

Mine did ask the dealer where it's at!

Mine did ask the dealer where it's at! View attachment 20876

I was referring to the trailer lights plug not the tow plug, I got that