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Towing with a Pilot

17 messages,  Last post on Mar 01, 2009 at 7:12 PM

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#1 of 17 Towing with a Pilot by jhaggerty Dec 30, 2006 (4:22 am)
I'm considering buying a new Pilot. How well will tow a 17ft. boat?   Thanks! Replies to this message: justaveragejoe (Jan 01, 2007 5:22 pm) oldtom (Jan 09, 2007 11:14 am)
#2 of 17 Re: Towing with a Pilot [jhaggerty] by justaveragejoe Jan 01, 2007 (5:22 pm)
Replying to: jhaggerty (Dec 30, 2006 4:22 am) Max towing capacity for the Pilot is 4500 lbs.
#3 of 17 Towing with Pilot by boating Jan 02, 2007 (5:07 pm)
I have an 05 Pilot EX-L with towing package (from Honda installed by dealer)   I tow a 19Ft Stingray Bowrider total weight 3,600 lbs (boat, trailer, full gas-gear) Above post is correct, with factory towing package is 4500lbs. It tows alright but on highway, transmission is constantly shifting gears. The boat is usually docked for summer and boat ramp is 4 miles from my house. We did not want a minivan or a full size pickup and the Pilot is the best compromise! Replies to this message: joesacramento (Jan 02, 2007 6:57 pm) odie6l (Jan 03, 2007 3:55 pm)
#4 of 17 Re: Towing with Pilot [boating] by joesacramento Jan 02, 2007 (6:57 pm)
Replying to: boating (Jan 02, 2007 5:07 pm) Our Pilot and Odyssey always seem to downshift even on slight grades at highway speed. I think that is the characteristic of this motor that has its power in the mid range RPMs.
#5 of 17 Re: Towing with Pilot [boating] by odie6l Jan 03, 2007 (3:55 pm)
Replying to: boating (Jan 02, 2007 5:07 pm) When ever I did tow with my Escape, and now with my 06 Pilot, I turn the O/D off so it won't jump gears. The only time I will have the O/D on while towing is during flat straight highways with little / no hills. If I'm going to be in an area that as some hills 5% grade or higher I usually drop to the D3 gear which will give you a little more torque for climbing.   Hope this helps out any.   Odie Odie's Carspace
#6 of 17 Trailer Brakes by y2k_forester_s Jan 06, 2007 (7:12 pm)
My 2000 Ody recommends trailer brakes for trailer/cargo weight greater than 1000#. My 2005 Forester requires trailer brakes for the same situation. What is the owner's manual language for the Pilot? I have a boat/trailer combo that is 1600+ pounds, and I'm considering the Pilot. Thanks.
#7 of 17 Re: Towing with a Pilot [jhaggerty] by oldtom Jan 09, 2007 (11:14 am)
Replying to: jhaggerty (Dec 30, 2006 4:22 am) I have been towing a 21 ft. boat with 07 Pilot. I echo the comment on the transmission shifting up/down, but that seems to be the nature of the vehicle as happens without the trailer in hilly areas. Except for one extremely windy day I have been comfortable with the Pilot as a tow vehicle. Just bought a new heavier boat and trailer and don't really expect problems.
#8 of 17 towing coolers by absav Feb 25, 2007 (5:10 am)
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
#9 of 17 How 'bout the shocks? by stevation Apr 21, 2007 (10:08 am)
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?
#10 of 17 More info on towing package by stevation Apr 26, 2007 (1:39 pm)
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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