We have a 2004 EX-L and regularly tow a 3500lb boat (including trailer). The pilot does quite well. I installed the factory towing package which includes a larger atf cooler in addition to a power steering fluid cooler. I don't really understand why it needs a PS cooler, but it's there. I'm considering upgrading to a larger ATF cooler, since it get's quite hot even in the winter when not towing. (you can easily reach in from under the fornt grill and feel how hot the cooler gets.
We've got over 24k miles now on the pilot, and it's been completely problem free. We've never been back to the dealer since it was purchased.
Hi, just wondering if anyone tows with a Honda Pilot. We currently tow with
> our old Ford Exploder. It's just getting a little tired, and the wife would
> like something a little newer.
>
> The Pilot is rated at 3,500 lbs towing, or 4,500 when using high octane fuel
> (sounds kinda cheesy). The towing prep package is a dealer installed
> option. I can't seem to find what it includes. I don't think the Pilot
> comes with an extra transmission cooler standard. The engine is rated at
> 255 HP and 250 ft/lbs torque. It sure rode nice. But I wonder how it would
> tow our 1,800 dry Coleman Yukon. I'm guessing that with water, gear, fuel
> and passengers, we'd be something like 2,300 lbs (is that good guess for a
> family of 4 (2 toddlers) + a beagle?). Our Explorer is rated for 5,000 lbs,
> but it seems to work pretty hard. It has a tough truck chassis and good
> cooling though. It's been reliable, it just creaks a lot now.
>
> Just wondering if any other people tow with their Pilot. Seems like if
> you're going to buy an SUV, and use it as such, you'd want to take it off
> road. But you probably can't sleep in it, especially a family of 4. You'd
> tow a trailer. Too bad Honda doesn't have a bigger engine for the Pilot. >
> Oh, the Chevy Trailblazer and new Ford Explorers were nice as well. But
> they sure get crummy gas mileage. We only tow out trailer 6 or 7 times a
> year, but I'd like to think that will increase as the kids get older! >
> Thanks in advance for your input.
>
> --
>
>
> Richard Minami
> '94 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4
> '97 Coleman Yukon
>
>