11/04/2026 3:56 am
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
Honda Forum
4
Posts
5
Users
0
Reactions
99
Views
0
What utility upgrades are absolute must-haves for a Honda Pilot TrailSport if Im actually planning to get it dirty? Just picked up a 2024 and Im honestly super stoked to take it out to the San Juan mountains next month but I keep worrying about the ground clearance once its fully loaded with gear. Ive been wheeling for years in a beat up Forester but this is a whole different beast and I dont want to wreck the new paint. I know it comes with the steel plates but are they enough? Im thinking about a better roof platform or maybe real recovery points since the factory ones look a bit tucked away. Got about 1500 to spend right now before the trip...
4 Answers
11
11/04/2026 4:20 am
Stumbled upon this today! Honestly, those factory plates are decent, but clearance is your primary bottleneck. I installed the H&R Adventure Raising Springs Honda Pilot 2023-2024 to gain that extra inch of lift; it is a fantastic improvement for technical approaches! Also, you need a Viair 400P Portable Compressor Kit for airing down. Running lower PSI is basically mandatory for traction in the San Juans!
10
11/04/2026 3:56 am
Congrats on the new 2024. In my experience, the TrailSport is plenty capable but the San Juans are totally unforgiving on longer wheelbases. Over the years, Ive seen way too many people trust factory plates only to dent a subframe on a rogue rock. Since youre worried about clearance, your first move should definitely be managing how you load the rig. I'd highly recommend the Front Runner Slimsport Roof Rack Kit for Honda Pilot 2023-Current to move bulkier gear up top. Keeping the interior weight down stops the rear from sagging, which is basically where you lose most of your breakover angle. For recovery, those factory points are a huge pain to reach if you're actually stuck. I always use a Factor 55 HitchLink 2.0 Receiver Shackle Mount for a real rear point. Tbh, look into the No-Lo Designs Honda Pilot Front Skid Plate for heavy-duty protection because the OEM ones are actually pretty thin...
1
11/04/2026 4:30 am
Can vouch for this
1
11/04/2026 5:00 am
Like someone mentioned, clearance is a trap. Unfortunately, factory recovery points are disappointing and wont hold up. Ive had issues with them failing, which is a massive safety risk tbh...