Towing Question

[jtravis2]

Im considering buying a Pilot, I only have one major concern and would appreciate any feedback. I will be towing a 3000lb fishing boat into the high Sierra's steep roads. Will the Pilot hold up to the stress of pulling a 3000lb boat up and down hills. I'm a asking to much out of a mid size SUV??

[redn22]

The towing capacity of the Pilot is 4500lbs and it is required to install an oil cooler kit when you get the hitch installed. From what I've been reading everyone recommends the OEM Honda Hitch Kit (w/ coolers).

About pulling that much weight, I've read somewhere that a guy took his Pilot on a 21 Hour drive through the Blackhills/Yellowstone Mountain regions. Hitched to the back was a 3000 lbs trailer. The Pilot itself was also loaded inside.

Here's a copy n paste:

"Things went well, it was the maiden trip for our new camper and the first real trip for the pilot. Had about 2000 or so miles on it when we left and added 3000 to it during the trip. Averaged 13.5 mpg during the trip with some off trailer time in there, I guess when you consider the a/c was on, I tried to stay between 65 and 70 mph and I was pulling about 3000 lbs... (I was secretly hoping for more gas milage).
It did quite well in the mountains as well.

The pilot handles the trailer quite well. It sags abot 2 inches or so with the trailer on it and the back area of the pilot full of stuff. Not bad though. The only complaint is that you lose that great ride you have unloaded when you have a big trailer on the back, it tends to transmit everything from the trailer to the truck. I think thats when a large vehicle has a distinct advantage, sure all these mid size suvs and pick-ups can handle towing these weights but you don't have a mass advantage as a larger vehicle does."

Hope this helps!

[redn22]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that if you tow with that load, it is HIGHLY recommended that the trailer itself has electronic braking to assist the "pull" car with just that... braking.

Red