Anyone tow with a Honda Pilot?

Hi, just wondering if anyone tows with a Honda Pilot. We currently tow with
our old Ford Exploder. It's just getting a little tired, and the wife would
like something a little newer.

The Pilot is rated at 3,500 lbs towing, or 4,500 when using high octane fuel
(sounds kinda cheesy). The towing prep package is a dealer installed
option. I can't seem to find what it includes. I don't think the Pilot
comes with an extra transmission cooler standard. The engine is rated at
255 HP and 250 ft/lbs torque. It sure rode nice. But I wonder how it would
tow our 1,800 dry Coleman Yukon. I'm guessing that with water, gear, fuel
and passengers, we'd be something like 2,300 lbs (is that good guess for a
family of 4 (2 toddlers) + a beagle?). Our Explorer is rated for 5,000 lbs,
but it seems to work pretty hard. It has a tough truck chassis and good
cooling though. It's been reliable, it just creaks a lot now.

Just wondering if any other people tow with their Pilot. Seems like if
you're going to buy an SUV, and use it as such, you'd want to take it off
road. But you probably can't sleep in it, especially a family of 4. You'd
tow a trailer. Too bad Honda doesn't have a bigger engine for the Pilot.

Oh, the Chevy Trailblazer and new Ford Explorers were nice as well. But
they sure get crummy gas mileage. We only tow out trailer 6 or 7 times a
year, but I'd like to think that will increase as the kids get older!

Thanks in advance for your input.

--


Richard Minami
'94 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4
'97 Coleman Yukon

 

Take a look thru the ARTICLES section over at hondasuv.com, or sign in
and search 'towing'.

'Curly'

 

Asked and answered.

 

We have a 2004 EX-L and regularly tow a 3500lb boat (including trailer). The
pilot does quite well. I installed the factory towing package which includes
a larger atf cooler in addition to a power steering fluid cooler. I don't
really understand why it needs a PS cooler, but it's there. I'm considering
upgrading to a larger ATF cooler, since it get's quite hot even in the
winter when not towing. (you can easily reach in from under the fornt grill
and feel how hot the cooler gets.

We've got over 24k miles now on the pilot, and it's been completely problem
free. We've never been back to the dealer since it was purchased.

 

-----------------------------------

I think 24,000 miles is about the right interval to change the fluid in
the rear differential of the Pilot. Check the facts over at hondasuv.com
(the Honda Owner's manual is often wrong about that fact) You can DIY too.

'Curly'

 

I'm glad you mentioned that- I had forgotten the rear diff!

 

Hmm, exactly what I wanted to hear! Thanks so much for everyone's input.
Now I just have to find the time to get one. Finances, trade in, child care
while negotiating...
Richard

 

Waiving the right to remain silent, "Richard Minami"

The Pilot is a great vehicle. Honda is still offering a good lease
package on the EX - something like $279/mo for 36 months. 12k/year,
and about $2,800 to start.