2006 Towing Help!

[grantizzle]

I've been reading my brains out and have ended up with information overload. I would like some clear suggestions about some questions i have. I plan on towing an enclosed 6x12 trailer with two dirt bikes in it. shouldn't be more than 3000 lbs with all gear and bikes. The trailer is 1700 empty. I have been towing short distances, but plan on towing a lot more now that the trailer is ready to rock.

1) What is the best way to get an electronic brake controller into my pilot? I would prefer plug and play, but I'm not sure the 2006 has that capability.

2) My pilot didn't come with a towing package, so i am looking to install the necessary coolers. I would prefer OEM, but are aftermarket ones as easy to install and will they keep everything in the optimum operating temp range?

3) After many confusing searches, I have decided to go with the Air Lift 1000 system and will have a shop install it. Please validate my choice in choosing air over a weight distributing hitch.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read/respond. Any questions or comments would be helpful as well.

[RinconVTR]

Originally Posted by grantizzle

I've been reading my brains out and have ended up with information overload. I would like some clear suggestions about some questions i have. I plan on towing an enclosed 6x12 trailer with two dirt bikes in it. shouldn't be more than 3000 lbs with all gear and bikes. The trailer is 1700 empty. I have been towing short distances, but plan on towing a lot more now that the trailer is ready to rock.

1) What is the best way to get an electronic brake controller into my pilot? I would prefer plug and play, but I'm not sure the 2006 has that capability.

2) My pilot didn't come with a towing package, so i am looking to install the necessary coolers. I would prefer OEM, but are aftermarket ones as easy to install and will they keep everything in the optimum operating temp range?

3) After many confusing searches, I have decided to go with the Air Lift 1000 system and will have a shop install it. Please validate my choice in choosing air over a weight distributing hitch.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read/respond. Any questions or comments would be helpful as well.

I don't know about #1.

#2, aftermarket is cheaper and typically better. There are many threads about installations on here for Gen1's.

#3, you made a GREAT choice going with the Airlift bags IMO. A WDH is not a great option for those weights and adds some complication you don't need. Now it comes down to proper installation for the bags to work well.

[mmmmark]

+1


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[grantizzle]

Originally Posted by RinconVTR

I don't know about #1.

#2, aftermarket is cheaper and typically better. There are many threads about installations on here for Gen1's.

#3, you made a GREAT choice going with the Airlift bags IMO. A WDH is not a great option for those weights and adds some complication you don't need. Now it comes down to proper installation for the bags to work well.

Thanks for the reply. I think I'm gonna go to a rv/trailer dealer today and see what they have to say about the brakes.

Originally Posted by mmmmark

+1


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+1 to what part? This post makes zero sense.

[rocky]

Here is one thread for you to look at.There are plenty more out there and you can read Honda's own instructions on installing the coolers on many of their dealer websites including collegehillshonda etc.
Aftermarket ATF cooler installation with pictures
The structural beam you see behind the cooler does have holes pre threaded for the OEM cooler.

[jamesgarner83]

Take a look at the Firestone ride right air bags, they look a little better then the Air Lift system to me.

[RinconVTR]

Originally Posted by jamesgarner83

Take a look at the Firestone ride right air bags, they look a little better then the Air Lift system to me.

Airlift has red bags and Firestone has blue...

Installation, parts and peices, are the very same.

[grantizzle]

Originally Posted by RinconVTR

Airlift has red bags and Firestone has blue...

Installation, parts and peices, are the very same.

Good to know. Glad I ordered the airlift ones.

[rocky]

BTW at 3000 you might want to consider a weight distributing hitch. Sounds like the car is going to be pretty full

[grantizzle]

I thought a weight distributing hitch was not a good idea because of the unibody construction?

[RinconVTR]

Originally Posted by grantizzle

I thought a weight distributing hitch was not a good idea because of the unibody construction?

Big truck guys on RV forums started that myth. Yet not one manufacture makes any such statement. Some clearly do say it is not recommended, but do not associate with unibody construction.

Honda says this:

"A weight distributing hitch is not
recommended for use with your
vehicle, as an improperly adjusted
weight distributing hitch may reduce
handling, stability, and braking

performance."


If they would have left it at "not recommended" I wouldn't use one. But they don't, so I do.

[grantizzle]

Originally Posted by RinconVTR

Big truck guys on RV forums started that myth. Yet not one manufacture makes any such statement. Some clearly do say it is not recommended, but do not associate with unibody construction.

Honda says this:

"A weight distributing hitch is not
recommended for use with your
vehicle, as an improperly adjusted
weight distributing hitch may reduce
handling, stability, and braking

performance."


If they would have left it at "not recommended" I wouldn't use one. But they don't, so I do.

noted. I will see what the brakes and air bags do for me. WDH is my last resort.