Honda Pilot as TV?

**TLMerriman** · 04-23-2010, 02:10 PM

We're considering a TM3023 and wondered if anyone has experience towing this rig with a 2004 or similar Honda Pilot with part time AWD? TM3023 dry weight is 3090, the Honda is rated at 3500 lbs for trailers, 4,500 lbs for boats. Loaded we'd probably be in the 3750-4000 lb range. WDH is a given. Any experiences or thoughts? Tx.

PS: Love the Jayco but hard sides and a bathroom are sounding really appealing as we near retirement.

1990 JayKing 6 Deluxe
2004 Honda Pilot EXL w towing package

04-23-2010, 02:20 PM

Do a search on your TV there are lots of discussions on forum. I am not a fan of even cutting it close and you are planning to exceed capacity. I would look for another TV or smaller trailer if i were you. My 2720SL is over 4000 in camp ready mode.

**ShrimpBurrito** · 04-23-2010, 02:41 PM

I second rumbleweed's comments. I personally would not tow any model TM with a Honda Pilot, nor would I want to be around anyone who did. It's wheelbase is super short, the engine is going to struggle towing even on the flattest of land, and I suspect handling will be squirrely. Once you pack your passengers, your gear, and apply 600-700 lbs of tongue weight, the Pilot's gross vehicle weight rating will also undoubtedly be vastly exceeded.

I would plan on buying a much more capable tow vehicle if you plan on buying a TM.

Dave

04-23-2010, 04:44 PM

Even the TrailManor Mini is pushing it, but that would be your only option: http://www.trailmanor.com/WebDocs/up...trailmini.html

04-24-2010, 09:17 AM

What's the Jayco weight? When we were looking, we found that most soft sided popups weighed more the TM....That may give you a clue how it will tow.

That said, I agree with the other guys, we towed our 2619 a couple times with the DW's '08 Highlander (rated at 5000 lbs), it did OK, but it could be a strain at times and we decided we didn't want to cut the life of the Highlander short by using it as a TV. Found a decent deal on a '06 Tundra and can relax a lot more when towing.....plus I got a really nice truck now! Good luck to you.

I wouldn't even consider towing a bigger TM then the 2619 with the Highlander!

**TLMerriman** · 04-24-2010, 03:35 PM

Excellent advice all! I reviewed the many threads that mention the Honda Pilot and other small TVs with a 3500 lb limit. The general advice is don't; those that actually do kept it small and carefully watched the weight. You've reminded me of a rule that I tried to live by way back when I started towing, dry weight no more than 60% of the limit, loaded weight no more than 80%; sounds like that was and still is a good rule to live by.

BTW, Our JayKing 6 runs about 1900 dry, 2500 loaded and about 250 on the tongue, well within the Pilot's limits, and it handles great, but I know its there; I didn't notice it when towing with a 1997 GMC Safari. Based on everything I saw from Pilot owners, I have a feeling the Pilot would feel the strain both towing and stopping if I added 1000 lbs gross and put 400 on the tongue even though the manual says it could handle it.

I'll wait until I have a better TV before we buy the TM we need, but I'll keep checking this forum, you folks are great!

**Bill** · 04-24-2010, 05:58 PM

I'm sorry that it is not working out, but I think you have made a wise decision. The short wheelbase, as mentioned by Dave/ShrimpBurrito would be dangerous and scary, especially with one of the longer TMs. We want to keep you around for a long time.

Bill

**TLMerriman** · 04-24-2010, 06:33 PM

Thanks Bill, and kudos on the job you do moderating! I find your posts all over the site, with nothing less than wise and sage advice! Glad to know you're here!