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SUVs Honda Pilot Towing with a Pilot
17 messages, Last post on Mar 01, 2009 at 7:12 PM
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What is the purpose of adding a power steering cooler along with the ATF cooler for towing? is it absolutely necessary, or does the power steering cooler also help out with the transmission cooling? I will be doing the work with a mechanic friend of mine. Can I also use after-market nonHonda parts without compromising the integrity of the transmission? Thank you, in advance, for your replies. ABSAV |
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I've been towing my 19' boat with an '02 Pathfinder. Want to get a used Pilot now (probably '03). But I'm concerned that the rear shocks/springs on the Pilot might sag after using it for towing the boat. This seems to be the case with the Pathfinder, and it's built on a truck platform, which is more rugged than the Pilot. Any experience with this? Also, what does it cost to get the factory-approved towing package installed on a used Pilot? Anyone know? |
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My two local dealers say adding the towing package to a used Pilot will cost from $1124 to $1310, depending on which dealer. So, I've answered that question. So, how about my other question? How does the Pilot suspension handle towing a boat that may be about 3500 lbs? I know that it's rated OK for that weight, but in real life, how well does it handle it? Does the back end sag and cause your headlights to shine too high (and irritate all the drivers who think you have your brights on?). Yeah, that happens with my Pathfinder. |
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I'm considering purchasing a travel trailer. It is one of the fiberglass "Egg type. Weight before loading with personal stuff is about 2000#. The Pilot should tow it with no problems. The problem is with the electrical plug in the rear of the Pilot. It is a 4 Pin connector for towing utility trailers and boats. Travel trailers require a 7 pin connector and a brake controller. Any ideas on who, can install the 7 pin connector or the wiring for the brake controller? Thanks, Kip |
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we have a 2007 pilot and we were just looking at featherlight trailers. we found an Orbit weighing 3072 dry weight. has anyone had experience towing a light trailer with a pilot?? we aren't sure if this is a good idea or not. we would like to take longer vacations with it. we have a 87 chevy p/u but are torn between putting money into it to tow something lgr, maybe 5th wheel OR putting money into our new pilot, tow hitch, coolers, ect... because we know the pilot is reliable. would like opinions on what you guys think. thanks! 
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Replying to: terju88 (Oct 15, 2007 8:09 am) See the postings over on the Pilot Maintenance and Repair forum last page. Bottom line is that the Pilot has a 4 pin electrical connector. A four pin connector will operate the trailer external lights; tail lights, Running lights, brake lights, and turn signals. Travel trailers also require wiring to operate the electric brakes and to charge the "House" battery. That involves a 7 pin connector. Therefore a 7 pin connector is standard for travel trailers and will not plug in to your Pilot. Honda does not offer a 7 pin connector. Or any type of wiring for the electric brake controller that mounts under your dash. That type of wiring would need to be done by a trailer or hitch dealer. Any problems that might/could occur with the Pilot wiring could possibly be traced back to the aftermarket wiring and void your warranty on electrical issues. Be careful! Common trailer towing practices suggest the trailer weight {loaded} not be over 85% of the maximum tow rating of the (tug) tow vehicle. That would dictate a maximum loaded trailer weight of 2975 pounds. The 15% margin is there to deal with mountains, strong head winds and the like. It is real easy to add several hundred pounds to a travel trailer without realizing it. Even at 3072# you are over the suggested "Safe rate"! Many TT published weights are for the basic trailer and do not include options such as AC, Awnings, Stabilizer jacks, antennas, spare tire, and such. So be absolutely sure of your "as equipped" weight plus things you add, such as water, dishes, electric heaters, and such. Other Problems! Trailer tongue weights should be at least 10-15% of the TOTAL TRAILER WEIGHT. Therefore a 3000+# trailer could have a tongue weight of 300-450#. Even when loaded properly, upright hard sided trailers will find any excuse in the world to "SWAY". Cross winds and 18 wheelers being the major causes. A sway can get out of control and result in an accident. To deal with the weight and sway there are Weight Distributing Hitches and sway controls available. Good news? Not with Honda! For the Pilot and the Ridgeline, They say, "We do not recommend the use of Weight distributing hitches". Yet they say to check with your trailer sales agency for proper equipment. The problems could be that the Pilot is basically a Front wheel drive. Pathfinder and 4Runners, which are rear wheel drive, offer the stuff necessary to tow. 7 pin connector, wiring pig tail for the under dash brake controller, and a serious tranny oil cooling radiator, instead of the pipe with fins offered by Honda. Fixing up the P/U truck and towing with it just might be the best bet! Kip
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Replying to: kipk (Oct 16, 2007 4:43 am) We are thinking of TTs now, and are considering one option to stay real small, and keep our Pilot. This is probably our 3rd or 4th potential avenue  used 3/4 truck - 5th wheel used suburban - ~30' heavy travel trailer used escalade - ~28' lighter travel trailer and now I am going to see if we can agree on a 20' hybrid weighing about 3000 lb and stay with the Pilot - going to burst my wife's bubble cause she has been on cloud nine thinking she could get an escalade |
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I know that both the older MDXes and the Pilots are towing rated at 4500 lb for boats and 3500 lb for "other" trailers. I also know about the 4 pin / 7 pin issue. What I want to know is how much they can really tow. We have an "other" trailer that weighs about 4000 lb. We don't tow often...maybe 10 days a year tops, and rarely more than a couple of hours per trip. Would either a Pilot or an older MDX be able to handle that amount of towing? Has anyone had experience with towing slightly outside the ratings? |
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Hi everyone - I have a 2006 Pilot with the dealer installed tow package. I will be towing a boat and trailer weighing around 2800-3000 lbs. The electrical connection at present is a 'four-flat'. One male ground and three female power for lights, turn signals, brakelights, etc. The surge brake actuator on the boat trailer comes with a solenoid lockout that, when you place the vehicle in reverse, the solenoid engages and inserts a pin behind the coupler and prevents the actuator from engaging the brakes so you can back up. This configuration requires a 'five-flat' plug. My question is: Can I safely tie into the reverse light wiring without screwing up something in the vehicle to provide the voltage to the solenoid to engage the pin? Are there any other options? The parts guy at Honda didn't know what the term 'five-flat' meant. I found that curious though not unexpected. Thanks, FC |
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Hi, I have a 2003 Pilot that I have been happy with. Typically it gets 20-23 mpg on the highway. However, I recently was towing an 6 x 10 enclosed trailer from NY to Florida. The mileage dropped to 10 mpg for the whole trip. I kept the speed below 60 mph to reduce wind drag. Is this normal???? I had a Chevy Astro van that would get 15 mpg while towing a similar size trailer. Tx. Mark |
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