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)

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

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

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

Though I don't own a Pilot, having worked for the same Honda dealer since 1979 and working closely with the service department, I can offer some real world feedback. If your towing requirements are as outlined, the Pilot will provide you with adequate performance, though not on the level of the bigger (and thirstier) larger displacement competitors. If you do plan on getting a Pilot, the factory towing package, which includes a transmission and power steering cooler, must be fitted if you intend to tow.
Overall, customer satisfaction with the 2004-2007 Pilot models has been exemplary.

Paul

[Ferg]

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

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

Though I don't own a Pilot, having worked for the same Honda dealer since 1979 and working closely with the service department, I can offer some real world feedback. If your towing requirements are as outlined, the Pilot will provide you with adequate performance, though not on the level of the bigger (and thirstier) larger displacement competitors. If you do plan on getting a Pilot, the factory towing package, which includes a transmission and power steering cooler, must be fitted if you intend to tow.
Overall, customer satisfaction with the 2004-2007 Pilot models has been exemplary.

Paul

Thanks Paul (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Considering my location and a drive from 5300ft to 10-12,000 feet. (regular camping trip type drive) Would you or your service guys feel the same way?

Ferg

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

[quote name='Ferg' date='May 16 2008, 12:59 PM' post='1032889']


Paul
[/quote]

Thanks Paul (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Considering my location and a drive from 5300ft to 10-12,000 feet. (regular camping trip type drive) Would you or your service guys feel the same way?

Ferg
[/quote]

Ferg,
I'd want to know the frequency and duration of your towing events. Several times a year of 3-500 mile trips, I'd have no concerns. If, however, you are towing several times a month for most of the year, and going 200+ miles every time, I'd recommend a domestic V-8 from Ford or GM. Those are not my favorite vehicles,but they do provide a real service for specific applications, like yours may be.

Paul

[Ferg]

[quote name='1970 Neun vierzehn' date='May 16 2008, 01:14 PM' post='1032897']
[quote name='Ferg' date='May 16 2008, 12:59 PM' post='1032889']


Paul
[/quote]

Thanks Paul (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Considering my location and a drive from 5300ft to 10-12,000 feet. (regular camping trip type drive) Would you or your service guys feel the same way?

Ferg
[/quote]

Ferg,
I'd want to know the frequency and duration of your towing events. Several times a year of 3-500 mile trips, I'd have no concerns. If, however, you are towing several times a month for most of the year, and going 200+ miles every time, I'd recommend a domestic V-8 from Ford or GM. Those are not my favorite vehicles,but they do provide a real service for specific applications, like yours may be.

Paul
[/quote]

Good questions... I use the car trailer maybe twice a year like to Moab for RRC for instance. About 700 round trip.

Camping is "about" twice a month. Mostly local, under 250 for the weekend. With one longer trip a year thrown in. Always Mountain driving, as I live right at the base of them.

If you can't tell my by replies, I've pretty much talked myself out of the Pilot... Nothing is certain though, and I'm in no rush to get rid of my Xterra as it is a wonderful tow vehicle, just a tad small sometimes.

Basically I'm realizing I want 5-6k towing capacity, 3rd row seating, 20 mpg, and I prefer real 4wd vs Awd. I won't buy a Explorer, So that leaves the Pathfinder, and not much else...

My only issue with the Pathfinder is that it's not "that" much bigger than what we have now, and that a few years down the road, I'd be wishing for something a little larger. (my issue right now with my Xterra)

Ferg