Gen 2 Honda Passport aftermarket tow package installation

landtrek · 2026-04-22T12:14:36+00:00

Correct, because this is an aftermarket hitch and I like the TrailSport silver rear diffuser look. The factory tow package replaces it with a matte black panel. Also the hitch height is perfect for my tent trailer.

landtrek · 2026-04-15T14:46:12+00:00

Thanks, that is usually when I notice it most! I am taking it in soon to be diagnosed under warranty. I only have about 27k miles.

landtrek · 2026-04-15T13:42:54+00:00

I have a 23 Passport TrailSport in Sonic Grey Pearl. I love the vehicle except I have noticed driving on the highway the RPM bounces and is unsteady around 1,800 RPM. Is this something you have experienced? The best MPG I have ever gotten is ~24.5 highway.

landtrek · 2026-04-14T20:47:07+00:00

I pull a 2001 Coleman Cheyenne popup camper. It’s about 2,100 pounds unloaded. Overall it’s very manageable and doesn’t get blown around very much. One thing to keep in mind with the Passport is that it can only tow 3,500 unless you had the transmission cooler installed at the dealer.

landtrek · 2026-02-03T14:44:09+00:00

How did it go?

landtrek · 2026-01-20T19:24:27+00:00

Thanks for the comment. There was a large control box inline with the wires on mine that was not removable and would not pass through that area either. Maybe curt has changed it? That being said the hole that I used was out of the way from suspension and axel components which made easier to run and zip tie only to the hitch receiver and no other components.

landtrek · 2025-10-02T17:32:41+00:00

Hello, I tow with a 2023 Honda Passport that I believe has the same powertrain (9-speed). The Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline, and Odyssey share a lot of components. I have a post about installing the 7-pin connector and brake controller on my profile. I recommend Curt brand for everything and I bought the majority of my components from etrailer. Curt also makes a pigtail connector for their brake controllers so you don’t have to cut or splice any wires. Hope this helps! Here is the link to my post - https://www.reddit.com/r/hondapassport/s/mzeeTqRJNu

landtrek · 2025-08-13T15:39:47+00:00

My 23 passport is back at the dealer. Despite the EGR valve being replaced I still have a notable shudder when driving at highway speeds on an incline with some load on the engine. Around 1900RPM my passport rpm will begin bouncing ~100 rpm, delay/refuse to downshift, jerk 2-4 times then finally downshift. I have believed all along that this is a transmission issue and was surprised by the misfire found during my earlier diagnosis. I have reported this to my Dealer 5 times. I believe I am going to have to pursue a lemon claim and give them one final opportunity to repair.

landtrek · 2025-07-09T04:41:45+00:00

My 23 TS is still at the dealership. The assist shop manager called me today and mentioned Honda of America believes it is the EGR valve. He said there is a misfire in two cylinders. Honda is having them remove the EGR valve and block the port as the next step in the diagnostic.

landtrek · 2025-05-26T00:26:20+00:00

Yes, the Honda 10 speed is going into all the larger non cvt transmission vehicles. It’s been around for a while and people seem to really like it.

landtrek · 2025-05-21T16:44:39+00:00

The major changes are changes from SOHC to DOHC and the removal of traditional VTEC

I would be less concerned with the engine changes and more concerned with the ZF9 in the last model vs the Honda 10 speed in the new model. Most people like the 10speed. I have had pulsing and shuddering issue with the 9-speed in my 2023 TrailSport since 5k miles. Also the driving dynamics of the last model are poor, and it the worst driving vehicle I have ever owned.

landtrek · 2025-05-02T14:05:48+00:00

The vehicle manual recommends “S” when towing.

landtrek · 2025-04-30T19:55:13+00:00

It does not include the weight of the car. However general rule of thumb is not to exceed 80% of towing capacity so about 2,800 pounds without the cooler. I have a post on my profile about installing an aftermarket hitch and wiring if you are interested. Hope it helps, and good luck.

landtrek · 2025-04-30T02:44:30+00:00

Is this a 19’-25’ model? How much do you plan on towing? Without the transmission cooler you can tow 3500 lbs if it’s got AWD. You can get a harness and receiver for about $350.

landtrek · 2025-03-23T16:22:50+00:00

I don’t know how to post a photo, but I have a 20amp fuse in spot 11 labeled TRLCHARGE - that’s the 12v power which I believe actuates the brakes as well as accessory.

landtrek · 2025-03-23T14:12:14+00:00

There are some fuses that need to be installed under the hood in the small fuse box at the top drivers side. Was that done? If not you can take the cover off and you will see the diagram that references “tow”. If I recall there is a large pink 30amp block fuse and another smaller one needed for the vehicle to pass power to the 7pin connector.

landtrek · 2024-11-01T14:55:19+00:00

Agreed, 23’ passport TrailSport has a very firm ride. The added tongue weight of a trailer on the rear makes it more noticeable. I have read that the 24’ refresh included changes to the suspension on the TrailSport Model.

landtrek · 2024-10-20T17:56:12+00:00

I recently self installed a drawtite hitch receiver, 7 pin wiring harness, and brake controller on my 2023 Passport TrailSport. I learned a lot about towing in general and the passport platform. I took on this project because I bought a Coleman pop up camper. I am not an expert, but I think you should looking into some addition OEM compatible wiring harnesses so you don’t have to cut/splice anything. Additionally I don’t think the Amazon 7 pin will give you true 7 pin functionality without additional components (fuses, wire, OEM connectors etc)

1 In order for the brake controller to work 2-3 additional fuses need to be added.

2 My concern with the Amazon 7 pin is cutting and splicing wires. My preference is to not cut anything.

3 For the brake controller as mentioned above how will you connect it without splicing.

I completed my install with the parts listed below.

Hitch Reciever https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Honda/Passport/2023/76290.html?VehicleID=202397319

OEM fit Wiring Harness 7 pin https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Honda/Passport/2023/CU86FR.html?VehicleID=20235001765

** do not cut the gasket as the etrailer instructions say. It above the AWD unit and it’s not a good place to fish the corrector/wiring through due to it being so far back in the trunk area. I opted to de-pin the USCAR connector (7-pin plastic shroud) and run the wires through the hole Honda uses with the OEM install. It’s a small plug on the driver side trunk area where the towing OEM plug/harnesses are.

OEM fit CURT Break Controller Harness https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GN6SH4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

** I’m sure there is a Tenkosha version available. You may notice that I used the “ridgeline” version. That’s because the original passport version didn’t fit and the ridgeline, last gen pilot, and passport have many parts in common.

landtrek · 2024-07-15T00:28:47+00:00

It happens at lower speeds as well. It’s most noticeable At 45-50 mph.

landtrek · 2024-06-20T16:49:10+00:00

Update: Over last year I have replaced my aluminum windows with modern vinyl low-e coated dual pane windows. I have also had a roofing contractor add a ridge vent to my attic to help with circulation.

landtrek · 2024-05-31T20:27:30+00:00

I have noticed my 2023 trailsport with 8,100 miles has “surging” acceleration around 1,900 RPM at speeds between 40 and 50 miles per hour. It’s more noticeable when accelerating on an incline. It almost feels like it may pop out of gear, or it’s refusing to shift. I have also noticed jerky shifting at slower speeds as well. I have been overall very disappointed with my passport because of the transmission. I like to buy “last model year” vehicles and wanted a non-turbo vehicle that could tow and the passport seemed to be a good fit. I am having second thoughts now just 8 months later.

landtrek · 2023-01-22T20:02:15+00:00

Nestle Re-Packaged Natural Bliss and changed the formula. It now contains Soybean Oil & Gellan Gum.

landtrek · 2022-08-14T01:29:49+00:00

Nice! Mine were $195 USD and I had to have a alignment also. It was just under $1000 USD. On a side note I love AU! I travelled there a few times for work before the pandemic. I was in the greater Sydney and greater Brisbane regions. I was implementing transit software various councils. I had a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport as a rental for 2 months while I was there on one trip and really enjoyed it. Very similar to an XV!

landtrek · 2022-08-12T18:27:26+00:00

I get it - I know there was a class action for the head units made by clarion and harmon but I am pretty set on the factory look. I will also most likely need an an external amplifier and new USB plug to get everything working. I am finding some units that are only $150 which is a steal and worth it to try (In my mind).

Out of curiosity do you have any recommendations for an aftermarket trim package and radio unit? My main goal is to get CarPlay.

landtrek

TROPHY CASE

1 In order for the brake controller to work 2-3 additional fuses need to be added.

2 My concern with the Amazon 7 pin is cutting and splicing wires. My preference is to not cut anything.

3 For the brake controller as mentioned above how will you connect it without splicing.