Re: Anyone towing with a Honda Pilot?
EdF,<br /><br />Go to the honda website, select full specs for the Pilot, then select Download. The data sheet you get has this info:<br /><br />b) Requires transmission oil cooler and power steering fluid cooler and may require surge-type or electric trailer brakes (1,000 lb.+), weight-distribution hitch (1,850 lb.+) and sway control (2,000 lb. +). <br /><br />Maximum towing capacity may vary depending on passenger/cargo load of vehicle. Consult the owner's manual for complete details.<br /><br />c) Rating applies to boat towing only.<br /><br />d) May require procedure that includes running the engine for 3 minutes at the beginning of a trip and at least every 8 hours thereafter. Consult owner's manual for complete towing procedure information.<br /><br />Ed, Items B, C and D are listed as mandatory items for the Pilot. So yes, Honda says that trailer brakes are needed for over 1000lbs, that a weight distribution hitsh is needed over 1850lbs, and sway control is neede over 2000 lbs. Those are the requirement to tow with that vehicle for various loads direct from Honda.<br /><br />I think item D is the most interesting. Why is it mandatory to start and run the engine for 3 minutes every 8 hours AFTER a trip? That one has me scratching my head.<br /><br />I like Honda in general. I also know they make good and bad vehicles, both cars, trucks and motorcycles. I have owned a few and so have family members. In general, they make good products. The info on their website catagorizing just how to make the vehicle meet their towing claims is there for a reason. They just don't throw those requirements around to make towing a bigger pain in the butt. If they say the vehicle needs it, it does. <br /><br />Just how big is the diameter of the brake rotors? And can anyone explain the 3 minute runtime thing?<br /><br />Edit:<br /><br />Here is the brake info: Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Solid Rear Disc Brakes (in.) 11.8 / 12.3 These brakes seem large enough, but I wonder why the rear disks are larger than the front. It is usually the other way around. Maybe it has something to do with the locking rear axle. It is normally front wheel drive and engages the rear axle when it "detects impending slippage" of the front wheels. The rear axle can manually be locked solid up to 18 mph. Nice feature if stuck on a slippery ramp or snow. <br /><br />Still haven't found anything about the 3 minute runtime thing.
