Off Road?

[Techsan]

I just purchased a 2003pilot and was wondering what have been your experiences off road. Especially using the VTR-Lock.

Not that im going to be anywhere near mud anytime soon. At least not until Duck season.

Anything i need to watch out for? Tips and Tricks?

I know i cant treat the pilot like my Bronco, but how far can it be pushed without getting into trouble.

Thanks,

Techsan

[74PILOTMOM]

Although SHE's capaple, her Goodyear's are NOT. I had a wonderful time in my Pilot in snow, she was great, but the goodyear tread is simply crap for traction. We're going to use our goodyears until they're ready to go, then get some REAL tires.
Otherwise, you'll be pretty impressed with her. Very sure footed, and quite the climber with enough torque for most jobs.
Again, get rid of the tires. If you plan to go off roading Often, honestly, the Pilot is not the beast for you. A monster truck she isn't.

[74PILOTMOM]

Your first post! Welcome to the org! So many wonderful people here, ready to help...you'll find yourself addicted. Congrats on your new 'o3 Pilot, I love mine!

[jonaz]

You will be dissapointed with the VTM lock off road. It is not a true locking differential. It does ok in the trails, but not as good as a Ford Explorer or Chevy Blazer with a limited slip differential. I have yet to use mine in the snow, but I hear they do great. This winter will be the real test, since I live in the mountains. Those Goodyear tires they come with are not very good.
I also have a 2003 model.

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by jonaz
You will be dissapointed with the VTM lock off road. It is not a true locking differential. It does ok in the trails, but not as good as a Ford Explorer or Chevy Blazer with a limited slip differential. I have yet to use mine in the snow, but I hear they do great. This winter will be the real test, since I live in the mountains. Those Goodyear tires they come with are not very good.
I also have a 2003 model.

What situation did you find the VTM-4 not good enough?

Are you sure it was not a tire/traction issue?

[rocky]

Tires make a huge difference to traction. You can get everything including Mud Terrains in 235/70-16 size.
The most important feature off road is the nut behind the wheel.....

[BigDogDad]

Originally posted by rocky

The most important feature off road is the nut behind the wheel.....

Very true. My Dad used to put it this way "there is one nut that holds the entire car together... the nut behind the wheel". When I was a teen just starting to drive it really didn't seem that important, now it does.

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by N_Jay


What situation did you find the VTM-4 not good enough?

Are you sure it was not a tire/traction issue?

I was trying to be nice!

[mthomas]

On a recent trip to SD I had the opportunity to do a little 'off-roading' in my '05 EX-L. I put Revo AT tires on over the Summer, which really paid off in a couple of rocky situations. The climbing ability of this vehicle is very good. Coupled with a driver with some 'mechanical sympathy' (read avoid overly aggressive trails and obstacles along the centerline) it did well (passengers were screaming before the vehicle was). I was in one situation, climbing up onto the roadbed on a diagonal, from below the road grade, I lost traction (all 4 wheels on ground, one wheel spinning, in VTM-4 Lock). Managed to get through the obstacle through judicious use of momentum.

If off-roading was a major focus of the purpose, I'd say wrong vehicle. If off-roading is an occasional need, I think most people will find it surprisingly capable.

[BigDogDad]

Originally posted by mthomas
I put Revo AT tires on over the Summer, which really paid off in a couple of rocky situations.

How are the Revo's for everyday driving? Noisy or harsh riding?

[mthomas]

I have my on-going reviews in the Tires forum. In brief, they are noisier than the stock GYs, but the tire has a different mission than the GYs. I find the ride very comfortable, little compromise from the GYs.

If you have the stock GYs, and off-road driving is in the picture, I'd suggest new tires are in your future (with the Revos a leading contender depending upon your needs). IMO the GYs are strictly a street tire, with some limited all season capabilities (like going to the store for milk in a snowstorm, if you live in town).

[brianmsmith]

A note ref tyres. My first post was to the milage string and I added some tyre data which may be of more interest to this string. I copy part of my original post here.

"Otherwise I am very pleased. Only change I have made is to have the dealer swap out the 235/16 Bridgestones for 245/16 Goodyear Forteras at cost difference + balance. Better dry & snow adhesion and quieter run, penalty of greater rolling resistance I will live with.

P.S. I called Goodyear ref recommended tire pressure for the Forteras on Pilot - 33 psi I was told. Sounds and feels good."

Feedback to this would be appreciated. Note: The avitar photo was taken after delivery and before the dealer shanged the tyres.

[Techsan]

Sorry to get back to yall so late. The pilot did great! I only had to use the lock once, and once i figured that it disengages itelf ove 25+ mph it was fine. THe tires have got to go though, I agree woth yall on that.

Bowseason starts in 2 weeks, we'll see how she does when the real deal begins.

Thanks for the tips on tires.

Go Red Raiders