TrailManor Owner's Forum - View Single Post

**Bill** · 03-21-2004, 09:31 PM

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I've got to agree with T_C -- but maybe more strongly.

I understand you to say that with the FACTORY towing package, the Pilot is rated for 3500 pounds of towing capacity. Does your Pilot actually have the FACTORY towing package? It sounds like you already own the Pilot, and you are going to ask the dealer to do a few aftermarket things to it. The dealer can do things like add trailer connector wiring, a transmission cooler, and maybe a Class 3 hitch receiver. [Will the Pilot accept a Class 3 hitch? The Honda web site doesn't sound like it.] But the dealer can't really add things like a bigger engine, heftier transmission, high-ratio rear end, and beefier suspension, which are the heart of good towing capability. So even after he has done his thing, you don't end up with the equivalent of the factory towing package.

Can you tell us what the dealer is going to do?
Can you tell us what the factory package would have included?
The Honda web site has a lot of info.

Even Motor Trend, that happy, happy friend of all new vehicles, says that "The Pilot's 3500-pound towing capacity means it could haul a pair of personal watercraft or small boat, but it won't challenge the more muscular body-on-frame SUVs." As T_C stated, if you scan the posts on this board, you will find that your TM will weigh close to 3500 pounds when you are ready to hit the road. And when you add 4 adults and all their stuff to the tow vehicle, you will almost certainly exceed the GCWR (gross combined weight rating) of the vehicle.

Your TM, and the people you are going to load in the vehicle, are just too much for the Pilot. Especially if you plan to get off the level plains and into the mountains. It has insufficient power, insufficient brakes, and insufficient wheelbase (see Ray's posts on this topic) for this application. If you push it, the best case is that you will beat your Pilot to an early death. The worst case is - well, worse. It just isn't meant for this.

Your Chevy truck with the 4.8 liter V-8 is probably good for this application - but don't subject your Pilot to this kind of abuse.

Sorry

Bill

03-21-2004, 09:31 PM	#2
Bill Site Team Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The mountains of Scottsdale, AZ, and the beaches of Maine Posts: 10,105	Re:New owners of Tm I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I've got to agree with T_C -- but maybe more strongly. I understand you to say that with the FACTORY towing package, the Pilot is rated for 3500 pounds of towing capacity. Does your Pilot actually have the FACTORY towing package? It sounds like you already own the Pilot, and you are going to ask the dealer to do a few aftermarket things to it. The dealer can do things like add trailer connector wiring, a transmission cooler, and maybe a Class 3 hitch receiver. [Will the Pilot accept a Class 3 hitch? The Honda web site doesn't sound like it.] But the dealer can't really add things like a bigger engine, heftier transmission, high-ratio rear end, and beefier suspension, which are the heart of good towing capability. So even after he has done his thing, you don't end up with the equivalent of the factory towing package. Can you tell us what the dealer is going to do? Can you tell us what the factory package would have included? The Honda web site has a lot of info. Even Motor Trend, that happy, happy friend of all new vehicles, says that "The Pilot's 3500-pound towing capacity means it could haul a pair of personal watercraft or small boat, but it won't challenge the more muscular body-on-frame SUVs." As T_C stated, if you scan the posts on this board, you will find that your TM will weigh close to 3500 pounds when you are ready to hit the road. And when you add 4 adults and all their stuff to the tow vehicle, you will almost certainly exceed the GCWR (gross combined weight rating) of the vehicle. Your TM, and the people you are going to load in the vehicle, are just too much for the Pilot. Especially if you plan to get off the level plains and into the mountains. It has insufficient power, insufficient brakes, and insufficient wheelbase (see Ray's posts on this topic) for this application. If you push it, the best case is that you will beat your Pilot to an early death. The worst case is - well, worse. It just isn't meant for this. Your Chevy truck with the 4.8 liter V-8 is probably good for this application - but don't subject your Pilot to this kind of abuse. Sorry Bill