Random Pilot Questions

[DCPiloteer]

1) We didn't take the "Honda Care" Extended Warranty at the dealership because we knew the markup they would throw in there. So we are looking at just buying it at some point before we hit 6k miles. Has anyone had this, and had good dealings with them? Or suggest another third party extended warranty company?

2) Does anyone tow a camper trailer with their Pilot? If so what kind? Wife and I are debating on getting one. Pain in the butt to go through all the listings and find some under 4,500 lbs....

Don't worry more to come as soon as I remember them .....

3) Reading how the "4X4" system works. It's not like on GMs where you have to push a button and put it in hi or low 4X4. Instead the car senses when you need it when it has a "loss of traction" and kicks in, and takes it off when it doesn't need it anymore. You can also manually turn it on when you have the car in 1st or 2nd gear and only up to like 17/18 mph. Tell me I have that right or not?

[RSQ Pilot]

Originally Posted by DCPiloteer

1) We didn't take the "Honda Care" Extended Warranty at the dealership because we knew the markup they would throw in there. So we are looking at just buying it at some point before we hit 6k miles. Has anyone had this, and had good dealings with them? Or suggest another third party extended warranty company?

2) Does anyone tow a camper trailer with their Pilot? If so what kind? Wife and I are debating on getting one. Pain in the butt to go through all the listings and find some under 4,500 lbs....

Don't worry more to come as soon as I remember them .....

3) Reading how the "4X4" system works. It's not like on GMs where you have to push a button and put it in hi or low 4X4. Instead the car senses when you need it when it has a "loss of traction" and kicks in, and takes it off when it doesn't need it anymore. You can also manually turn it on when you have the car in 1st or 2nd gear and only up to like 17/18 mph. Tell me I have that right or not?

Welcome...you didn't mention what year Pilot but these topics have been discussed in many postings in the forums. Use the friendly search tool shown in the second green bar above to check them out...#1 and #2 have many, diverse answers and opinions. Question #3 your have it correct but it also works in R ( there are also lenghty discussions on the AWD and VTM-4 system available by searching and in the Owners Manual.
Enjoy reading about your new Pilot

[rocky]

2: Lots of camper towing threads. Use the word camper or other words in the search feature (green line)
3: Not quite. Read the owners manual. Basically its FWD until slippage is detected at which point AWD kicks in. at any speed. When using the VTM4 lock button (slippery surfaces only) the rear diff is locked and ensuring that both rear wheels turn at the same speed regardless of traction when in 1/2/Rev gear up to 18mph.

[94eg!]

Originally Posted by DCPiloteer

3) Reading how the "4X4" system works. It's not like on GMs where you have to push a button and put it in hi or low 4X4. Instead the car senses when you need it when it has a "loss of traction" and kicks in, and takes it off when it doesn't need it anymore. You can also manually turn it on when you have the car in 1st or 2nd gear and only up to like 17/18 mph. Tell me I have that right or not?

This is correct. It will unlock the rear diff once your speed goes past that. You shouldn't need the rear-end locked beyond this speed. This will save your tires and your drivetrain.

[whizmo]

Personally, I would never buy a third-party extended warranty. With Honda Care, I believe there is a 6-mo, 6K mile grace period during which you can purchase the plan for a new car. After this, they offer used car plans.

You can buy the plan from any authorized Honda dealer, so you can shop around. There are dealers who advertise and sell online or over the phone with very competitive prices. (There might be one exception - I've heard that if you are a Florida resident, there are special insurance rules that prohibit out-of-state buying.)

I'm not a fan of towing heavy campers on the Pilot, but it can be done. Just don't think the car is very well-suited to towing heavy loads, compared to the competition. I'd certainly stay within the towing guidelines and keep in mind that towing at the limits reduces the load you can put in the car. Do your homework here.

The Pilot is a crossover SUV and doesn't have a Hi/Lo transfer case. The only thing you can do is lock the rear diff to help you get unstuck. Other than that, you don't have to do anything - it will distribute power to the wheels appropriately for the conditions as best it can. Overall it does Okay for the intended use of the vehicle.

- Mark

[2010exl]

Originally Posted by rocky

Basically its FWD until slippage is detected at which point AWD kicks in. at any speed. When using the VTM4 lock button (slippery surfaces only) the rear diff is locked and ensuring that both rear wheels turn at the same speed regardless of traction when in 1/2/Rev gear up to 18mph.

I believe it engages BEFORE wheel spin occurs. For example if you stab the throttle too hard off the line, the VTM-4 locks the rear axles to in anticipation of wheel spin.

The CRV 4wd system uses wheel spin to engage the rears. The driveshaft spinning at a faster speed than it should engages a pump and the fluid pressure activates the 4wd in that case.

[94eg!]

Originally Posted by 2010exl

I believe it engages BEFORE wheel spin occurs. For example if you stab the throttle too hard off the line, the VTM-4 locks the rear axles to in anticipation of wheel spin.

The CRV 4wd system uses wheel spin to engage the rears. The driveshaft spinning at a faster speed than it should engages a pump and the fluid pressure activates the 4wd in that case.

That is correct. VTM-4 is a proactive system. The dual-pump "realtime AWD" system on the CRV & Element is a reactive system with an open rear diff.

I really did like the realtime AWD on my wifes 03 Element (5spd manual). I ran the through 3 sets of OEM tires and never had a problem with traction. We used to go snowboarding a lot and I even pulled off the road into a snow drift. That little truck just pulled right out every time. Never once needed to put on chains.

I can't wait to put the VTM system to the test now that I live in Reno.