The Honda Pilot has been a popular mid-size SUV ever since it was first released in 2003, thanks to its versatile crossover design, fuel-efficient V6 engine, comfortable ride, and spacious interior.
But what many Honda Pilot owners don’t realize is that Honda Pilot actually makes a great tow vehicle as well, due to its 3,500 to 5,000-pound towing capacity.
Allowing the Honda Pilot to pull a wide variety of campers, including lightweight stand-up campers, teardrop campers, pop-up campers, and small travel trailers.
Best Campers for the Honda Pilot (From Lightest to Heaviest)
| Make/Model | Camper Type | Dry Weight | Price |
| 1. nuCamp Tab 320 S | Teardrop | 1,908 lbs | $30,000 |
| 2. Forest River Rockwood 2318G | Pop-Up | 2,439 lbs | $17,000 |
| 3. Lance 1475S | Travel Trailer | 2,600 lbs | $42,000 |
| 4. Airstream Basecamp 16X | Stand-Up | 2,650 lbs | $48,000 |
| 5. Forest River Geo Pro G15TB | Stand-Up | 2,667 lbs | $23,000 |
| 6. Forest River R-Pod RP-171 | Teardrop | 2,714 lbs | $20,000 |
| 7. KZ RV Escape E14 Hatch | Toy Hauler | 2,825 lbs | $25,000 |
| 8. Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17BH | Travel Trailer | 3,014 lbs | $22,000 |
| 9. Forest River Geo Pro G19FBS | Travel Trailer | 3,375 lbs | $27,000 |
| 10. Airstream Bambi 19CB | Travel Trailer | 3,650 lbs | $60,000 |
*The above weights reflect the dry weight of the camper only. And does not include the weight of supplies or gear, which often adds anywhere from 500 to 1,000 pounds to the total weight of the camper. **Not every Honda Pilot will be able to pull every camper on this list, due to the varying max tow capacities of the Pilot.
1. nuCamp Tab 320 S
Quick Specs
- Price: $30,000
- Dry Weight: 1,908 Pounds
- Length: 15 Feet 4 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2+
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Wet Bath
The nuCamp Tab 320 S is the lightest camper on this list, making it ideal for Honda Pilots on the lower end of the towing capacity range.
Designed from the ground up to be the ultimate lightweight camper, the Tab 320 S was built so that it could be pulled by a wide variety of vehicles, including just about any SUV and even some minivans.
In fact, this teardrop camper from nuCamp is so light, it’s one of the lightest fully self-contained campers you can buy, with a dry weight of just 1,908 pounds.
But it’s not just its ultra-lightweight design that makes this teardrop camper so great, as this camper is also loaded with comfort and convenience features not always found on smaller and more compact campers.
Including such standard features as a two-piece wet bath, full-featured kitchenette, central air conditioning, Alde central heat and water system, and electric brakes.
NuCamp Tab 320 S Floorplan
In addition, if your someone that likes to take your Honda Pilot off the beaten path or camp in the backcountry, the Tab 320 S has you covered.
As you can outfit the nuCamp Tab 320 S with several different boondocking packages and off-grid friendly features, including aggressive off-road tires, a pitched axle, heavy-duty diamond plate, a 52-inch light bar with spotlights, and an available solar package for off-grid power.
And if you don’t need a bathroom and want to reduce the weight of the camper even further, nuCamp just released a brand new floorplan for the Tab 320, called the Tab 320 U.
Which deletes the bathroom, adds additional storage space, and reduces the dry weight of the camper down to 1,812 pounds.
For more information on the nuCamp Tab 320 S or 320 U, be sure to check out nuCamp’s website by clicking here.
2. Forest River Rockwood Freedom 2318G
Quick Specs
- Price: $17,000
- Dry Weight: 2,439 Pounds
- Closed Length: 17 Feet 6 Inches
- Open Length: 23 Feet 11 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 8
- Bathroom: Optional 2-Piece Wet Bath
While pop-up campers are not for everyone and not nearly as popular as they once were.
If you’re looking for an affordable lightweight camper for your Honda Pilot, you might want to at least consider pop-up campers.
As pop-up campers offer several unique benefits over hard-sided campers.
As they are generally more affordable, easier to tow, offer higher sleeping capacities, and are much easier to store compared to hard-sided campers.
And if you imaging some uncomfortable and damp camping experience with a pop-up camper, not to worry.
As today’s modern pop-up camper is a far cry from the stripped-down basic pop-ups of the past, that wasn’t much more than a glorified tent.
Forest River Rockwood Freedom 2318G Floorplan
As today’s pop-ups come in a variety of configurations and floorplan and can be equipped with just about every feature and amenity that you could want, including plush sleeping quarters, running water, heat and air conditioning, kitchens, and even bathrooms.
And one of the best examples of the modern pop-up camper, with these kinds of luxuries, is the Forest River Rockwood Freedom 2318G, which features all the above features plus much much more.
For more information on the Forest River Rockwood Freedom 2318G and to see other pop-up floorplans offered by Forest River, make sure to check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
And to see other affordable pop-up campers that you can pull with a Honda Pilot, check out our article “The 10 Cheapest Pop Up Campers You Can Buy“.
3. Lance 1475S
Quick Specs
- Price: $42,000
- Dry Weight: 2,600 Pounds
- Length: 19 Feet 8 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
Lance is an industry leader in the RV world, known for their high-end premium campers, which come in a variety of lengths, configurations, and floorplans
The lightest and smallest Lance trailer, however, is the Lance 1475, which has a dry weight of 2,600 pounds and an overall length of just under 20 feet.
Making the Lance 1475 a great fit for the Honda Pilot and its more moderate towing capacity.
Available in two different versions including the standard 1475 and the upgraded 1475S.
Our personal favorite is the 1475S.
As it offers a small slide-out for a little extra interior space and swaps out the standard swivel captions chairs for a couch, which can be converted into an additional sleeping space.
Lance 1475S Floorplan
The Lance 1475 is also the first true full-size travel trailer on this list and because of this, it provides several key upgrades not usually found on smaller campers.
Including a complete three-piece dry bath with a separate shower, toilet, and bathroom sink, a full-size kitchen with larger appliances and more cabinet and counter space, as well as additional interior space with higher ceiling heights.
But what really sets this camper apart from lesser travel trailers, is its four-season capability, which allows you to camp year-round, when equipped with the optional All-Season Package
As the All-Season Package adds a water heater bypass and winterization valve, insulated hatch covers, and heated holding tanks to the standard cold-weather features found on all Lance trailers, which includes dual pane windows, advanced ducted heating, Azdel interior panel walls, and block foam insulation.
For more info on the Lance 1475 or 1475S, be sure to check out Lance’s website by clicking here.
To see information and pricing on other Lance models, check out our article “How Much is a Lance Travel Trailer? Full Cost Breakdown“.
4. Airstream Basecamp 16X
Quick Specs
- Price: $48,000
- Dry Weight: 2,650 Pounds
- Length: 16 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Wet Bath
When most people think of Airstream trailers, the first thing that comes to mind is their iconic rounded all-aluminum bodies.
However, Airstream actually makes another type of trailer, called the Basecamp, that’s a complete departure from the more traditional Airstream look.
First introduced in 2007, the Airstream Basecamp was designed from the ground up to be the ultimate adventure vehicle for off-grid camping and boondocking.
Available in two main models including the Basecamp 16 and the Basecamp 20, both of these campers come with everything you would need for an extended stay in the backcountry.
Including such off-grid friendly features as a 14,3000 BTU Truma Combi™ eco plus heating system, 12V fridge, 12V tank heaters as well as a heated underbelly, two 20-pound propane tanks, a 21-gallon freshwater tank, and an optional 180W rooftop solar panel.
And because the Basecamp is still an Airstream trailer, you can still get the same level of high-end finishes, best-in-class craftsmanship, and premium features found on all Airstream trailers.
Airstream Basecamp 16X Floorplan
You might have noticed, however, that we’re recommending the Basecamp 16X and not the Basecamp 16.
And that’s because Airstream offers an upgraded version of the standard Basecamp 16 called the Basecamp 16X, which we feel is the better choice.
As the Basecamp 16X includes larger wheels and tires, a lift kit, stainless steel stone guards, and front window protection shields, greatly improving the off-road capability of the Basecamp.
For more information on the Airstream Basecamp 16X, check out Airstream’s website by clicking here.
5. Forest River Geo Pro G15TB
Quick Specs
- Price: $23,000
- Dry Weight: 2,667 Pounds
- Length: 16 Feet 4 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2+
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Wet Bath
The Forest River Geo Pro G15TB is one of the most well-equipped stand-up campers you can buy.
As it’s absolutely loaded with amenities and features, despite its more compact size and stand-up camper design.
Which often sacrifices comfort and features in order to maintain a smaller size and lighter weight.
Forest River Rockwood G15TB Floorplan
As the Geo Pro G15TB has every feature and amenity you could want and then some.
Including such standard features as a 10-foot power awning, 190W roof-mounted solar panel with a 1,000W inverter, tinted frameless windows, heated holding tanks, two 20-pound propane tanks, 13,500 BTU roof-mounted AC, and a complete entertainment system with 12V TV and DVD player to name just a few.
For more information on the Forest River Geo Pro G15TB, make sure you check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
6. Forest River R-Pod RP-171
Quick Specs
- Price: $20,000
- Dry Weight: 2,714 Pounds
- Length: 19 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Wet Bath
Forest River is one of the largest manufacturers of campers and travel trailers in the RV industry, making a wide variety of RVs across multiple brands and lineups.
But one of their most popular brands is the R-Pod, which is available in 11 different lightweight models, ranging from 19 feet in length all the way up to 25 feet.
The shortest and lightest model of the R-Pod, however, is the R-Pod RP-171, which has an overall length of 19 feet and a dry weight of just 2,714 pounds.
Making it is ideal for the more limited towing capacity of the Honda Pilot.
R-Pod RP-171 Floorplan
But just because the RP-171 is the smallest model of the R-Pod, that doesn’t mean that it’s not well-equipped.
As the R-Pod RP-171 offers a four-person sleeping capacity, a full three-piece wet bath, as well as a full-size kitchen with a nice size fridge.
For more information on the R-Pod RP-171, be sure to check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
To see other Forest River R-Pod models and their pricing, check out our article “How Much are Forest River R-Pods? Answered“.
7. KZ RV Escape E14 Hatch
Quick Specs
- Price: $25,000
- Dry Weight: 2,770 Pounds
- Length: 18 Feet 10 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Dry Bath
One of the more interesting campers on this list, is the KZ RV Escape E14 Hatch, due to its unique toy hauler design.
Which allows you to easily load sports and camping gear into the back of the camper, thanks to its large rear door and open rear cargo area.
But despite its more utilitarian toy hauler design, this camper still offers plenty of creature comforts.
KZ RV Escape E14 Hatch Floorplan
As the KZ RV Escape E14 Hatch, offers a fully functioning kitchen, a two-piece dry bath, and a rear cargo area that can be converted into a dinette booth or a bed, once you’ve reached the campsite.
But the comfort doesn’t stop there, as this lightweight toy hauler is also loaded with entertainment and comfort features, including a 10-foot power awning with LED light strip, an entertainment system, 6-gallon water heater, and a 20,000 BTU furnace.
And when equipped with the optional off-grid/off-road package, this camper is capable of reaching and camping at the most remote of campsites.
For more information on the KZ RV Escape E14 Hatch, make sure to check out KZ RV’s website by clicking here.
8. Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17BH
Quick Specs
- Price: $22,000
- Dry Weight: 3,014 Pounds
- Length: 20 Feet 5 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 6
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Dry Bath
If you’re someone that has a large family or just needs to sleep a lot of campers, one of the best options out there that you can pull with a Honda Pilot is the Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17BH.
As the Clipper Ultra-Lite 17BH has a dry weight of just over 3,000 pounds, yet can still sleep up to six campers at a time.
Thanks to its bunkhouse design, which not only features two rear bunk beds but also a large bed up front and a dinette booth that can be converted into an additional sleeping space when needed.
Coachmen Clipper Ultra-LIte 17BH Floorplan
But it’s not just the extra sleeping capacity that makes this Coachmen Clipper so great, as it’s also very affordable with an average price of only $22,000, making it half as expensive as some of the more expensive campers on this list.
In addition, the Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17BH is loaded with features and amenities to make your next camping trip more comfortable as well as enjoyable.
Including such features as a 12-foot awning, full-size kitchen with large pantry, two-piece dry bath with a nice size shower, and larger holding tanks for boondocking.
But one of the coolest features of the Clipper Ultra-Lite 17BH is its rear storage hatch at the back of the trailer, which allows access to the bottom bunk area of the camper.
Giving you easy access to additional storage space while traveling.
For more info on the Coachmen Clipper Ultra-LIte 17BH, make sure to check out Coachmen’s website by clicking here.
9. Forest River Geo Pro G19FBS
Quick Specs
- Price: $27,000
- Dry Weight: 3,375 Pounds
- Length: 20 Feet 8 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
The Forest River Geo Pro is one of the best all-around lightweight campers you can buy for the Honda Pilot or any mid-size SUV for that matter.
Due to their lighter weights, more affordable price, well laid out floorplans, and feature-rich designs.
Which is why we chose to highlight two different models of the Forest River Geo Pro on this list.
And one of the best examples of all the above accolades is the Geo Pro G19FBS, which is one of Forest River’s most popular floorplans.
As the Forest River Geo Pro G19FBS has everything you could want in a lightweight travel trailer, while still keeping the price affordable.
Forest River Geo Pro G19FBS Floorplan
Including a full three-piece dry bath, which is one of only three trailers on this list to have such a luxury, a large east-to-west queen bed, a full-featured kitchen, with a larger refrigerator, range, oven, and a microwave, as well as a large couch on a slide-out that can double as a second sleeping area when needed.
And as was the case with the Geo Pro G15TB from above, the G19FBS is loaded with standard features that are often options on other travel trailers.
As the Geo Pro G19FBS comes standard with a 190W roof-mounted solar panel with a 1000W inverter, frameless windows, dual 20-pound propane tanks, shower miser water saver, quick recovery gas/electric water heater, and a power tongue jack.
For more information on the Forest River Geo Pro G19FBS and to see a 3D walkthrough, be sure to check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
10. Airstream Bambi 19CB
Quick Specs
- Price: $60,000
- Dry Weight: 3,650 Pounds
- Length: 19 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
If you’re looking for the ultimate in style and luxury and price is not a concern, one of the best options out there for the Honda Pilot is the Airstream Bambi 19CB.
As this premium Airstream Bambi is second to known when it comes to design, features, and let’s face it cool factor, thanks to its iconic rounded all-aluminum body.
But all of this luxury and premium design doesn’t come cheap though.
As the Airstream Bambi 19CB is by far the most expensive travel trailer on this list, with an average price of $60,000.
Making it double and even triple the cost of some of the more affordable campers on this list.
Airstream Bambi 19CB Floorplan
But for those with the means, it’s hard to go wrong with an Airstream travel trailer, as they are truly in a class of their own.
It’s important to keep the Honda Pilot’s towing capacity in mind, though, if you plan to tow this Airstream Bambi with the Honda Pilot.
As the dry weight of the Airstream Bambi 19CB is 3,650 pounds, which would exceed the lowest towing capacity of the Honda Pilot.
So before towing this camper or any heavier camper for that matter, you always want to know the specific towing capacity of your particular Honda Pilot, to ensure you don’t exceed its max towing capacity.
For more info on the Airstream Bambi 19CB, make sure to check out Airstream’s website by clicking here.
Why the Honda Pilot Makes a Great Tow Vehicle
While there are definitely tow vehicles out there that have higher towing capacities compared to the Honda Pilot, such as full-size trucks and SUVs, for its size, the Pilot is one of the most capable mid-size SUVs for towing.
But why is the Honda Pilot so great at towing?
Well it turns out for quite a few reasons including:
- 3,500 to 5,000 Pound Max Towing Capacity (Depending on the Year, Trim Level, and Options)
- Powerful 3.5 Liter V6 Engine
- Available All-Wheel Drive to Help Maintain Traction while Towing
- Robust Front and Rear Suspension that offers Heavy Duty Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers as well as a Solid Stabilizer Bar in the Front
Honda Pilot Towing Capacity
Due to the Honda Pilots, 3,500 to 5,000-pound max tow capacity range, it’s important to know what the towing capacity of your particular Honda Pilot is before choosing a camper or trailer to tow with it.
As there can be as much as a 1,500-pound difference in towing capacity from one Honda Pilot to the next, which can have a big impact on the type and size of camper you can safely tow with your Pilot.
Can a Honda Pilot Tow 5,000 Pounds?
The Honda Pilot has a 3,500 to 5,000-pound max towing capacity depending on its year, trim level, and options, which means only Honda Pilots with the highest towing capacities can pull 5,000 pounds.
However, when you take into account the 80 Rule for towing, which states you should never exceed 80% of the max tow capacity of your tow vehicle, in order to provide some extra cushion while towing and to help prevent early wear and tear on your tow vehicle.
Even if the Honda Pilot has a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, it’s still less than ideal to max out the towing capacity of the vehicle and pull that much weight, especially long term.
Can a Honda Pilot Pull an Airstream?
Airstream makes a wide range of travel trailers across several different lineups that all have varying lengths and weights.
Ranging from their smallest trailers, which include the Basecamp and the Bambi, all the way up to their largest trailers, which include the International and the Classic.
If you want to pull an Airstream with a Honda Pilot though, you will need to stick to the smaller Airstream trailers, such as the Basecamp, the Bambi, and the Caravel.
As the weights of the larger Airstream trailers will greatly exceed the max towing capacity of the Honda Pilot.
To make it easier though to figure out which Airstream trailers the Honda Pilot can and can’t tow, we’ve included all the Airstream trailers that the Honda Pilot can tow below.
Keep in mind though that the weights listed below only reflect the dry weight or base weight of the Airstream. And does not include the weight of supplies or gear, which often adds anywhere from 500 to 1,000 pounds to the total weight of the camper.
In addition, not every Honda Pilot will be able to pull every Airstream on the below list, due to the varying max towing capacities of the Honda Pilot, which ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on its year, trim level, and options.
Airstream Trailers the Honda Pilot Can Tow (From Lightest to Heaviest)
| Model | Dry Weight |
| Basecamp 16 | 2,650 lbs. |
| Bambi 16RB | 3,000 lbs. |
| Basecamp 20 | 3,400 lbs. |
| Caravel 16RB | 3,500 lbs. |
| Bambi 19CB | 3,650 lbs. |
| Bambi 22FB | 3,900 lbs. |
| Bambi 20FB | 4,000 lbs. |
| Caravel 19CB | 4,000 lbs. |
| Caravel 22FB | 4,200 lbs. |
| Caravel 20FB | 4,300 lbs. |
Do All Honda Pilots Have a Towing Package?
While the Honda Pilot can be equipped with a tow package direct from the factory as an option, not every Honda Pilot has a tow package or trailer hitch.
So if you want to pull a camper or travel trailer with your Honda Pilot, and it doesn’t have a factory-installed tow package, you will need to install an aftermarket trailer hitch, wiring harness, and brake controller to do so.
Luckily though there are many manufacturers that make aftermarket tow hitches, wiring harnesses, and brake controllers for the Honda Pilot, such as Curt and Draw-Tite.
Just make sure that if you’re planning to install these items yourself that you buy the correct trailer hitch and accessories for your particular Honda Pilot, as they do vary.
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