41 messages,
Last post on Nov 07, 2012 at 8:09 PM
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Honda Pilot Forum.
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Honda Pilot, Towing, SUV
#12 of 41 Re: 2009 Pilot- too much weight to tow? [jeffrim]
by walk_the_walk2
Apr 22, 2012 (7:18 pm)
Jeff: I hate to say this, but I tow a small enclosed trailer and I don't think that the Honda Pilot is well suited for towing, and certainly NOT a 16 foot trailer. Even the 4WD model like I have says 4500 lbs.
You will kill your transmission and need $7K in repairs in 6 months. That is my prediction. Should you sell your trailer? Yes, or your Honda. If you tow something that exceeds the rating of your vehicle, you will void the warranty, and put yourself and your passengers at risk of injury in an accident.
By the way, we rented a large Toyota Sequoia SR5 and that thing had a hellacious towing capacity. Maybe you need a different SUV or a pickup truck. Just saying.
#14 of 41 Towing with a Pilot
by jhaggerty
Nov 07, 2012 (8:09 pm)
#15 of 41 Towing with a Pilot
by jhaggerty
Dec 30, 2006 (5:22 am)
I'm considering buying a new Pilot. How well will tow a 17ft. boat?
Thanks!
#16 of 41 Re: Towing with a Pilot [jhaggerty]
by justaveragejoe
Jan 01, 2007 (6:22 pm)
Max towing capacity for the Pilot is 4500 lbs.
#17 of 41 Towing with Pilot
by boating
Jan 02, 2007 (6:07 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!
#18 of 41 Re: Towing with Pilot [boating]
by joesacramento
Jan 02, 2007 (7:57 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.
#19 of 41 Re: Towing with Pilot [boating]
by odie6l
Jan 03, 2007 (4:55 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
Jan 06, 2007 (8:12 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.
#21 of 41 Re: Towing with a Pilot [jhaggerty]
by oldtom
Jan 09, 2007 (12:14 pm)
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.