Honda Pilot?

[tomytek]

Hey guys. My uncle really likes my 218DLV and is think about getting one. He has a Honda Pilot that he potentially wants to use to tow it. The Honda Pilot tow capacity is 4500lbs. It seems like it should be enough. Has anyone used a Pilot to tow? Do you think it's enough for a 218DLV?

Tommy

[Slim to None]

in my professional opinion, i'd say no. just b/c a car is "rated" to tow that weight, you have to take into consideration the braking system, if the tow vehicle has enough weight to keep the boat from pushing it around, and the transmission will be a weak link on that car. i'd recommend him getting a real truck to pull the boat with. if he does end up pulling it with the pilot, MAKE sure he adds an external transmission cooler to it and dont pull with the trans in overdrive. otherwise he will be buying a new tranny soon. i own a transmission shop, so i get these questions all the time about towing.

-dustin

[Familymanof5]

Slim I have a question for you. I have a 2006 Dodge 3500 diesel with the auto tranny. This is by far the absloute worst shifting tranny I have ever driven or been around. What can I do about it??? I only have 20k on the truck and the heaviest thing it has towed is my boat. It has been this way since the get go. Any ideas ?????


TOM

[Slim to None]

what do you mean by worst shifting trany? what are the symptoms? one of my cousins bought that same truck, only to take it back to the dealer 2 days later and make them swap it out for a manual trans truck. he is now very happy! i know this wont fix your problem, just thought i'd share that. anyways, let me know the symptoms and i'll see what i can find out to help you!

[Familymanof5]

It just always seems to shift at the wrong time and it will go from a high RPM to almost like it lugging the motor. When I have the boat in to wand the tow haul button pushed it shifts real hard. Just not used to it yet I guess. When I have a chance to take it in to the dealer to see about it I will. I just thought you may have heard of so miracle cure for hard shifting new trannies.


TOM

[Slim to None]

no miracle cure. that is just a product of them keeping the line pressure high to meet the demands a diesel engine puts on the trany. you shouldn't always "have" to use the tow/haul mode. your boat shouldn't be that heavy that it would require you to use it 100% of the time. if it helps with the shifting, try driving without tow/haul on. if you had an older truck with lots of milege there might be some additives you could try, but being as your truck is new, that's just the nature of a dodge trany.

[Familymanof5]

Thanks for trying. And the expertice.(sp)

TOM

[tomytek]

Thanks for the advice Slim. He can't get rid of the Pilot because it's the family car. I don't think my Aunt will go for a new truck and a new boat. I'll tell him about the transmission cooler and not towing in overdrive. He might even consider getting a 198DLV instead. He will just have to get over mine being bigger than his ;D.

Tommy

[Sandbar]

I have an 06 Honda Ridgeline and it is rated to tow 5000lbs. I tow a 1980dlx and a Grady-White Adventure 208 which I figure weighs in at about 5000 lbs. I do have trailer brakes and it tows very well. I would have no worries about towing with a Pilot. Does it have a towing kit?

[tomytek]

The Ridgeline looks pretty nice. I just wish they made one with a long bed. My uncle's Pilot does not have a tow package. It also looks like my Auntie is having second thoughts, so we'll have to see how that goes. She said that they could just go out on my boat. Doh!!!! 001 I'm still trying to help my uncle presuade her.

I'm still glad I asked this question because this weekend it sound like my torque converter was slipping and the check engine light came on. I did manage to get my boat safely back to the house. I took it to the dealer and indeed the error code came backing with a slipping torque converter. They said I should replace the enitre trans for $3600. My truck ain't worth much more than that. Now I'm looking at a new/used 4runner.

Tommy

[Slim to None]

Tomy- i'm not sure where you are located, but that sounds kinda high on the price, but of course most dealers are pricey. i could most likely due that trany cheaper. i am in florida, though. if u need anymore help/advice now on your 'yota ask away!

-Dustin

[tomytek]

Thanks Dustin. It is nice of you to offer your help. I really appreciate it. Dealers charge an arm and a leg for everything. Unfortunately, I live over 800 miles away from you in Maryland.

The Admiral and I looked at a new/used 4runner this weekend. She really liked it and the dealer was going to take my old truck for close to the blue book value. We even talked them down a few thousand dollars. The Admiral said to buy it. I couldn't argue with that. Now I have a new ride to pull my boat 011 Did I mention how much more I love my wife. She's definitely my greatest catch of all. I'll post some pics when I get a chance.

[Loki]

"Did I mention how much more I love my wife. She's definitely my greatest catch of all. I'll post some pics when I get a chance."


Of your wife, 4runner, or both? ;D



JK!

[packfan919]

I have an 06 Pilot 4wd and installed a hitch myself - really simple job, you just need a torque wrench. Dealer installed a tranny cooler for 300 bucks and its worth it not to void the warranty.

I have towed an old 70's fiberglass tri-hull ski boat with it. Its heavy as heck and I couldn't tell it was even back there. I now have a J16 and it chugs along with no problem.

Just to clarify, the owners manual actually recommends that you tow with it in Drive (5spd automatic trans.). But you MUST have the tranny cooler on it.

No problems with either boat on I-40 from Raleigh to Wilmington and back. The third row seat is nice for kids too. If you need a family car during the week and a tow vehicle for a boat under 25ft on the weekend I'd certainly go with the Pilot.

Just my two cents.