Honda Pilot Tow package Question

[Bruce]

We are in process of purchasing a 2004 Honda Pilot EX. As we will be using
this vehicle to tow a boat, we are getting the dealer add-on towing package.

The tow package includes a transmission fluid cooler, power steering fluid
cooler, and of course the hitch/wiring.

My question is this:
What is the purpose of a power steering fluid cooler? Does the Honda Pilot
power steering pump get used for anything else? I have never seen another
vehicle that requires a power steering fluid cooler. I can't understand how
towing would put much additional load on the power steering pump, unless it
serves an additional purpose.

Thanks

Bruce
Durham, NC

 

[Steve Lee]

We are in process of purchasing a 2004 Honda Pilot EX. As we will be using
this vehicle to tow a boat, we are getting the dealer add-on towing package.

The tow package includes a transmission fluid cooler, power steering fluid
cooler, and of course the hitch/wiring.

My question is this:
What is the purpose of a power steering fluid cooler? Does the Honda Pilot
power steering pump get used for anything else? I have never seen another
vehicle that requires a power steering fluid cooler. I can't understand how
towing would put much additional load on the power steering pump, unless it
serves an additional purpose.

Though I don't have the towing package installed, you can find a
wealth of info at www.hondapilot.org. Just do a search for it. Of
course, you can always ask questions about it also and many owners
with the towing package will gladly answer.

 

[Tony Hwang]

Hi,
When you tow behind, you need lots of steering work.
Like parking the load, maneuvering it into a spot, hitching/unhitching,
etc. No heavy duty rad?
In my years of towing(7000 lbs 5th wheel with F250 SD super cab), never
heard of power steering fluid cooler. But I always had tranny oil cooler
and heavier duty rad. That Pilot steering pump must be real small one
made for light duty work.
I wouldn't tow anything with unibody frameless vehicle.
Tony

 

[Steve Lee]

Hi,
When you tow behind, you need lots of steering work.
Like parking the load, maneuvering it into a spot, hitching/unhitching,
etc. No heavy duty rad?
In my years of towing(7000 lbs 5th wheel with F250 SD super cab), never
heard of power steering fluid cooler. But I always had tranny oil cooler
and heavier duty rad. That Pilot steering pump must be real small one
made for light duty work.

You're probably right. I read a few complaints from the towing
package owners about how small the OEM tranny cooler was. Some
expressed that they'll look for an aftermarket coolers. I really
don't know how big the PS cooler is.

I wouldn't tow anything with unibody frameless vehicle.

Is that because of what might happen to the structure of the vehicle?
Are "car based" SUV's like the Pilot more susceptible to structure
fatigue than trucks or SUV's based on frames? Can you please tell me
the fundamental difference between unibody frameless vehicles and its
counterparts and the latter is better when it comes to towing and I
presume, off-roading? Would really appreciate it. Thanks.