OT: Anybody Own a Honda Pilot and Tow with it? Options

[Ferg]

Looking at a Honda Pilot to replace my Xterra. (mainly for the 3rd row seat) I know it does not have a real frame like my Xterra and the tow rating reflects that. Xterra=5500 Pilot=3500 or 4500 pulling a boat trailer, still figuring out why that makes a difference, seems to be due to boat trailer design and less tongue weight.


My camper weighs in at 2600 Dry, I figure with gear and my family we are in the 3-3200 range. Tongue weight is 170.

I think my car trailer is only about 800lbs, so with a 914 or 911 similar weights to the camper.

I've done some reading with mixed reviews, looking for some real world input from members.

Ferg (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[shelby/914]

Ferg, does your pop-up have any kind of brakes? Given that you will be towing in the mountains most of the time you might want to consider putting brakes on it or going with the more substantial tow vehicle like the Pathfinder or even larger. You could even go for a full size suv if its main purpose is for towing the camper and the occassional need for the 3rd seat. Obviously you would not want to drive it all of the time. You could probably pick up one real cheap this summer. The wife and I have switched cars since she drives to work every day and I'm mostly home, she has the BMW and I have the Expedition. So now she is routinely getting 25/6 in town instead of 13. We'll probably never sell it as it's pretty much worthless as a trane in but comes in handy from time to time. Might also want to check into Colo law on trailer weights and brake requirements. They became much more restrictive a few years back, requiring brakes at lower weights and on both axels on tandems.

[Ferg]

Ferg, does your pop-up have any kind of brakes? Given that you will be towing in the mountains most of the time you might want to consider putting brakes on it or going with the more substantial tow vehicle like the Pathfinder or even larger. You could even go for a full size suv if its main purpose is for towing the camper and the occassional need for the 3rd seat. Obviously you would not want to drive it all of the time. You could probably pick up one real cheap this summer. The wife and I have switched cars since she drives to work every day and I'm mostly home, she has the BMW and I have the Expedition. So now she is routinely getting 25/6 in town instead of 13. We'll probably never sell it as it's pretty much worthless as a trane in but comes in handy from time to time. Might also want to check into Colo law on trailer weights and brake requirements. They became much more restrictive a few years back, requiring brakes at lower weights and on both axels on tandems.

Yes, electric brakes on the camper and my car trailer, and the Xterra has brake controller ect.

The Xterra and the Pathfinder are exactly the same truck, Pathfinder is just stretched a bit and offers a third row seat.

I'm extremely happy with the Xterra so far, it tows excellent and the 264hp 4.0 six will outdrag my 911, and gets almost 20mpg when driven nicely.

Ferg (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)