towing

[macjry]

After reading a few comments about towing I thought I would post my findings. I have a 2007 Pilot EX, 2 WD. Since I only tow about a dozen times a year, in the summer, for water skiing, it did not make sense to buy the 4 WD model and get the worse gas mileage for the rest of the year. I have the factory installed heavy duty hitch assembly and a 4500 lb 21 foot boat. It tows absolutly perfectly; every bit as good as my past V8 Ford explorer. The ramp I pull up from is steep, slimey and wet. Even with a boat load of guests in the boat, it comes out of the water just fine. If there is going to be any slipage, all you need to do is turn your car a slight angle so you don't have to go straight up the ramp. Also, there is no real need to try to go up the ramp as fast as possible. That will almost always cause slipage of the rear tires. On the road the boat feels great behind the car. The trailer is a duel axel stock trailer. There are no modifications to the car or towing package. Everything is stock. Any questions, just ask.

[colorider]

Thanks for posting your experience with towing macjry and welcome to HP.org!!!

[LMUTT87]

SO...ABSOLUTLEY NO PROBS GETTING THE BOAT OUT OF THE WATER WITH THE 2WD? I HAVE A 17FT BASS BOAT JUST SITTING IN MY GARAGE BECAUSE I DIDNT THINK THE 2WD WOULD PERFORM UP THE RAMP. THAT, AND THE FACT THE DEALER QUOTED ME 1800 FOR THE ENTIRE PACKAGE INCL BOTH COOLERS. IVE GOT A 2006 EX-L 2WD. I THINK WE BOTH HAVE THE SAME THINGS UNDER THE HOOD SO I THINK IM GOING TO GO FOR IT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK. THANKS IN ADVANCE.

[mmmmark]

Not all ramps are created equal. I've seen some so steep that you can barely WALK down it without falling!

[sblvro]

Originally posted by macjry
That will almost always cause slipage of the rear tires.......

are you talking about the pilot or explorer

[Paul.V]

LMUTT87,
I towed my 19' baylinerCapri with 350 I/O behind FWD minivan for years...even steep launches....never couldnt get out of one BUT there are problems where the launch is gravel on concrete...has to be clear so bring a broom? also one launch I go to (Rice lk) has a 8" drop before I can get the boat off so with FWD have to take a run getting out...hard on everything... Never any guarantees...I always carried a tow rope just incase I needed help....oh ya, couple times I had my wife & 2 kids sitting on the hood so I could get out
PV

[LMUTT87]

THANKS. SOUNDS GOOD. DO YOU PULL IT WITH YOUR PILOT NOW? IS IT 4WD? I TALKED TO A MECHANIC AND HE SAID I NEED THE TRANSMISSION COOLER, BUT HE SAID NOT TO WORRY BOUT THE POWER STEERING COOLER...ANY SUGGESTIONS GUYS???? THANKS

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by LMUTT87
THANKS. SOUNDS GOOD. DO YOU PULL IT WITH YOUR PILOT NOW? IS IT 4WD? I TALKED TO A MECHANIC AND HE SAID I NEED THE TRANSMISSION COOLER, BUT HE SAID NOT TO WORRY BOUT THE POWER STEERING COOLER...ANY SUGGESTIONS GUYS???? THANKS

You mechanic must be smarter than Honda because THEY say you need it.

I never use mechanics that THINK they are smarter then the manufacturer.

[Paul.V]

Well, like I said,
I d o n t k n o w why it is needed, so I put in a small(4x11) tranny cooler for that on the passenger side & a large(12x11) tranny cooler on the driver side....
The thing is on the 04 anyway the existing power steering cooler is just a 3/8 tube that extends to the driver side & back so it was in the way of the tranny cooler I wanted to put in. I'm towing heavy so I put both in...
I just dont see how the power steering heats up towing a trailer unless its for when you are backing it up if your not too good with a trailer I guess you could be overworking the pump???
Forward going I dont see an issue and there is an existing cooler. Honda's version of the cooler is same pipe with fins on it....not as good as some aftermarket IMHO.
PV
Havent pulled the boat with my Pilot yet. Yes it is AWD.

[youbetcha]

If your power steering were to go out when you're NOT towing something, it might be a little scary but you probably would maintain control of the car. If your steering goes out WHILE towing, there are situations where you would have more difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle.

Get the steering cooler, it's there to protect the parts from the wear and tear of high heat and pressure, which is only increased if you do more towing.