Recommended off-roa...
 
Notifications
Clear all

Recommended off-road accessories for the Honda Pilot TrailSport model?

5 Posts
6 Users
0 Reactions
191 Views
0
[#3484]
Topic starter

Just picked up a new Pilot TrailSport and I’m ready to hit the trails! Since it already has the factory lift and AT tires, I’m looking for must-have upgrades. Are people adding beefier skid plates or specific recovery boards? I’d love to hear what gear you’ve actually used. What are your top accessory recommendations for moderate off-roading?


5 Answers
12

Just sharing my experience: I went through this last year and honestly was sooo paranoid about safety. Since I’m a total beginner, I started with budget gear to stay safe: * First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit ($20)
* Kidde Pro 210 Fire Extinguisher (~$55) Tbh ur better off having these basics tucked away before the fancy stuff. Safety first! gl!


11

+1 to what was said earlier! Honestly, the TrailSport is GREAT, but in my experience, the factory plates are basically thin. Ur better off swapping for the No-Lo Designs Front Skid Plate for 2023+ Honda Pilot. Its MUCH thicker 3/16 inch steel, i think. Also, grab some MAXTRAX MKII Recovery Boards since the i-VTM4 AWD can struggle in deep silt. Saved my butt last summer lol. Cheers!


3

+1 to what was said earlier! Honestly, factory plates are basically paper. I've tried many setups over the years and once got stuck in soft sand cuz I didn't air down... literally so embarrassing lol. My budget picks: - Viair 88P Portable Air Compressor: Airing down is key and this is solid for $90.
- Rhino USA D-Ring Shackle Hitch Receiver: Essential for safe tugs. Basically, PSI matters more than fancy boards tbh. 👍


1

In my experience, the Pilot TrailSport is honestly such a fun ride right out of the gate! I just got mine recently and I've been having a blast taking it out on some local trails. I’m still kinda new to the whole off-roading scene, so I was pretty nervous about scratching up the underside, but I’m super satisfied with how it handles. For your situation, I would suggest looking into some extra underbody protection. Even though it comes with some factory plates, I felt way better after adding some beefier armor. Just get any skid plates from a brand like No-Lo Designs or even the stuff Honda offers directly; they're literally so easy to install and give you that peace of mind. I also highkey recommend getting some recovery boards. I just picked up a set from MaxTrax and they’ve been a total lifesaver when I accidentally hit some deep mud... it was a mess but they worked so well! Also, don't forget about a good tire pressure gauge and a portable air compressor. It makes such a huge difference when you air down ur tires for the rough stuff. I’m still learning the ropes myself, but honestly, even just these few things made me feel way more confident. Have you thought about getting a roof rack or anything like that yet?? Anyway, hope that helps and congrats on the new rig! 👍


1

Honestly, everyone is talking about adding gear, but I have to respectfully disagree with the idea of just bolting things on and calling it a day. From a DIY perspective, you REALLY need to focus on your self-service capabilities before you start adding weight and complexity. Before I give any specific advice, are you planning on doing your own maintenance and installs, or are you taking it to a professional shop? Also, what's your comfort level with trail-side repairs if something mechanical actually fails? Tbh, the TrailSport is a refined machine, and adding heavy armor can mess with cooling or access points if you dont know what you're doing. I'm pretty cautious about "plug-and-play" setups because off-roading definately stresses the drivetrain and suspension in ways people dont expect. Instead of just buying stuff, I suggest doing a full nut-and-bolt check of the undercarriage yourself. Knowing your factory torque specs and having the right tools to fix a snagged harness or a loose end link is way more important than fancy accessories. You're better off being self-sufficient than just having a shiny rig that you cant fix if something goes wierd deep in the woods.


Share: