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Towing with a Honda Pilot

41 messages,  Last post on Nov 07, 2012 at 8:09 PM

You are in the Honda Pilot Forum.

What is this discussion about? Honda Pilot, Towing, SUV

    

Messages Page 2 of 5

#10 of 41 What to do to prep 2003 Pilot for towing? by mildbill

Jan 14, 2012 (10:37 am)

Got a great deal on a tight 2003 Pilot with tow package and 135k miles. It has been used for towing before as can be seen from wear on the hitch and screw holes from what is more likely trailer brake controller.
 
It will be used to tow a small box trailer with my Harley and some other kit in it, 2.5k lbs max. Newly handicapped I'm towing rather than riding my bike around now.
 
Then I read about the trans problems w/2003
 
Is there an easy way to see if the necessary transmission modification has been made?
 
The Honda Service Department hasn't seen the car since 90k mile check-up. Copies of their service records are on the way. They want $2k for timing belt, water pump etc. and once they have it they'll surely hit me up for brakes, shocks, etc. My trusted mechanic can do this for much less of course and I'm leaning that way.
 
Thoughts solicited. Thanks!
 
Bill

#11 of 41 2009 Pilot- too much weight to tow? by jeffrim

Mar 18, 2012 (3:25 pm)

Have a 2009 Pilot EX-L and want to tow a 2800 lb. 16' travel trailer.Bought the trailer but afterwards realized the DGVW is 5000# and the Pilot's rated at 4500#. Did I screw up and buy a trailer that's too heavy fully loaded? If I add a throttle body spacer for torque and load it lite, will I be okay or should I sell my new trailer? HELP!!
Also, I read that I shouldn't use my included anti-sway weight distribution bar with the Pilot...is that true?

#12 of 41 Re: 2009 Pilot- too much weight to tow? [jeffrim] by walk_the_walk2

Apr 22, 2012 (7:18 pm)

Replying to: jeffrim (Mar 18, 2012 3:25 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)

Replying to: jhaggerty (Dec 30, 2006 5:22 am)
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)

Replying to: boating (Jan 02, 2007 6:07 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.

#19 of 41 Re: Towing with Pilot [boating] by odie6l

Jan 03, 2007 (4:55 pm)

Replying to: boating (Jan 02, 2007 6:07 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

Messages Page 2 of 5

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