Hate to even ask - but hitch/towing question

[kdm0468]

I see people get quite upset with towing/hitch questions and ask everyone to search old posts. Well, I've done that and can't find the answers to my questions, as it appears people are towing so many different things. I'm female, so I don't understand a lot of the tech. talk, so if even just one of you could give me advice, I'd appreciate it!!

I have a 2007 Pilot with full size spare. I've nevered had a hitch, but now have a daughter moving to PA for college and need to pull a rented small Uhaul trailer. So, which hitch do I buy, which electric connectors, which tow ball mount? I was looking at the Curt, just because of reviews, but not sure what to buy. Last question - Do I need all the coolers for such a small tow job?

For those who answer will be "use the search option", could you please just fight the urge to answer me? I've been searching for more than an hour and read so many different answers I more confused than when I started!

Thanks!!!!!

[ltp646]

This may help answering your question about what to buy:
2007 Honda Pilot Trailer Hitch | etrailer.com

Regarding the installation of transmission/PS coolers, it seems that the majority of the opinions on this forum is to install them. If you start towing on a regular basis, then you definitely should install them. If it just one or two trips with a small trailer, it's up to you to whether spending the money on the coolers or taking the risk of having malfunctioned transmission and/or PS.

[Offtrac]

It seems that just renting one of their smaller trucks would be a better option.

[rocky]

How big is your kid's room? Or are you taking the family away with you? If my kid can't get all his stuff into the Pilot, I think I'll end up bringing some of it back home!

If you have never wrenched before, suggest you go to your local Uhaul and get them to put the bits and pieces on for you.
If DIY:
The wiring is the easy part, etrailer provides a good unit.

The hitch requires a few tools. As long as you have the right socket, and extension its easy. Though a second pair of hands comes in handy while you loosely mount the first couple of bolts.

Adding the coolers is recommended. No hard at all but it helps to have a second pair of hands to pull the bumper off.

[N_Jay]

Since you car is older it is VERY (VERY VERY VERY) important to use a tap to clean the threads of the welded in mounting nuts BEFORE (Let me repeat, BEFORE) you try threading the bolts in.

[deanmcneill]

I had a 2007 Pilot and had an aftermarket hitch and wiring installed just after I bought it so I could haul my sailboat a short distance, cost about $300 all in (Canadian Dollars) for a class III hitch with a 2" receiver, installed. You can get different ball sizes, 1 7/8" and 2" is most common. Likely you'd need a 2" ball for rented u-haul-type trailer. A year later I needed to haul a heavy-ish load of several small sailboats about 1,500 kilometers so I installed an aftermarket transmission cooler (about $85). It took me about 2 hours to install the cooler myself, of which 1 1/2 hours was dismantling / reinstalling the front bumper and only 1/2 hr. or less to install the cooler. Easy to follow instructions on removing the bumper were found on this site. Although it takes some time, (but little skill) to install the cooler, I'd certainly recommend it as a safe-guard to protect your transmission from the heat buildup from the extra load.

[kdm0468]

Thanks to all of you for the replies - I think I get it now

As to why I can't get the stuff in the Pilot - Well there are 5 of us going to Philadelphia and luggage, so no room for her stuff We are dropping her off and then the rest of us are staying in Philly for 2 days and then NYC for 2 days and then home. I want to be able to drive there, get her moved in and bring back the Uhau,l so we can continue on vacation and be able to park in downtown ramps

[theirishscion]

Originally Posted by N_Jay

Since you car is older it is VERY (VERY VERY VERY) important to use a tap to clean the threads of the welded in mounting nuts BEFORE (Let me repeat, BEFORE) you try threading the bolts in.

Just in case it isn't immediately clear, the enemy here is rust (especially if the pilot has ever lived in the snow belt), any rust in the threads and they're liable to twist and break loose from the frame when you're trying to turn a bolt into them. This is a massive pain in the arse to recover from, so the trick is to avoid the problem in the first place.