Air Spring/Bag assist for Rear while towing?

[JamesBentley]

Hello, The rear of my 2005 Pilot EX-L sags a bit more than I like when pulling my loaded 6 x 10 utility trailer.
Has anyone installed an air spring or air bag to assist the stock rear springs?
Has anyone put aftermarket (stiffer) springs in the rear?

I haul a 2012 Honda Big Red (MUV) in the trailer.
I have not measured "tongue weight" of the loaded trailer on the hitch.

Thanks!

[RSQ Pilot]

Originally Posted by JamesBentley

Hello, The rear of my 2005 Pilot EX-L sags a bit more than I like when pulling my loaded 6 x 10 utility trailer.
Has anyone installed an air spring or air bag to assist the stock rear springs?
Has anyone put aftermarket (stiffer) springs in the rear?

I haul a 2012 Honda Big Red (MUV) in the trailer.
I have not measured "tongue weight" of the loaded trailer on the hitch.

Thanks!

search results on this topic:
Honda Pilot - Honda Pilot Forums - Search Results

[gaviota]

I have the Timbren SES on my Pilot, which is not an air suspension, it's a set of bigger and stronger rubber bump stops that are supposed to prevent sagging. My advice is not to waste time and money with the Timbren SES, it's completely worthless, I saw no change on my Pilot after I installed it. Look for an airbag based solution instead.

[LINDW4LL]

We tow our 19 foot 3800lb boat/trailer with no problems. It did sag a little bit but never rubbed or anything. I think you should be fine. But if you want stiffer springs, the Ridgeline ones might be stiffer...

[JamesBentley]

Hi RSQ Pilot, when I click the link you provided...I get this:
"Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms."
If you know a keyword to use in the Forum search that will point me to a thread on the topic, that would be much appreciated. Kind regards.

[JamesBentley]

Thanks LINDW4LL, I will see if I can find the spring rates for my Pilot and compare it to a Ridgeline.

[RSQ Pilot]

Originally Posted by JamesBentley

Hi RSQ Pilot, when I click the link you provided...I get this:
"Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms."
If you know a keyword to use in the Forum search that will point me to a thread on the topic, that would be much appreciated. Kind regards.

"Firestone air bags"

[evarsallona]

Try the Monroe rear shocks #58645 Sensa-trac load adjusting shock absorber (coil over shock)
Found a posted thread about this shock and decided to try them on my Pilot. Now no more bottoming out or rear end sagging when loaded down and still has a smooth ride when empty too.

[JamesBentley]

thank you both!

[JamesBentley]

I followed Evarsallona and others advise and used the Monroe Sensa-Trac shocks (from my local Napa Parts dealer).
Fantastic, Day & Night difference in towing feel.
Stability, Control, Lack of Sway and no hint of bottoming out.
It just feels more secure.
It is one bolt on top and one nut on the bottom.
If you tow a trailer with you Pilot, this was SO easy and worthwhile.
Love this forum and thank you all who contribute!

Tools Required:
1 - floor jack
2 - jack stands
hammer (BMFH)
1/2" drive ratchet with 17mm socket (19mm to pull the wheels)
prybar or BIG screwdriver
(a ratcheting box end 17mm wrench, 1/2" drive extensions and some WD-40 may help)
Torque wrench

Work description:
SAFELY secure the vehicle (Chock the front wheels and set the Park Brake)
Jack it up in the rear (you may do one side at a time if you like)
Support vehicle with jack stand (DO NOT put jack stand on any suspension piece...let it droop or sag)
Remove wheel
Remove top bolt & bottom nut on shock
Remove old shock
Fit upper shock mount in "pocket" but do not install bolt yet
Start bottom shock mount onto the mounting stud
Tap the shock onto the stud using the hammer, but do not damage the threads on the stud
Start the bottom nut once the lower mount is all the way on
Install the top bolt (you may need to use the floor jack to gently lift the suspension about 1 inch for the hole to line up)
Tighten everything to spec

***Any questions,suggestions or corrections...just let me know***

[kuago]

I like these Monroe coil shock for my rear sagging 03 Pilot.. Everytime I load our Pilot for a weekend get away. It always sagged.

I have been looking for a better solution on the sagging issue of my Pilot.

Timbren-ahh??
Air-lift-not sure..
Monroe coil spring shock- Sounds good..

I'll wait til the weather warms up here (NYC)...

[RinconVTR]

Originally Posted by kuago

I like these Monroe coil shock for my rear sagging 03 Pilot.. Everytime I load our Pilot for a weekend get away. It always sagged.

I have been looking for a better solution on the sagging issue of my Pilot.

Timbren-ahh??
Air-lift-not sure..
Monroe coil spring shock- Sounds good..

I'll wait til the weather warms up here (NYC)...

Airbags vs coil over shocks; both will help a sagging rear, but the airbags more so because they are adjustable.

[kuago]

Just ordered the Monroe shock today on sale in AdvanceAuto-Patrs.. $80 includes tax & etc. Cant wait to install it to our 03-Pilot, if the weather is permitting..

[kuago]

Thanks James Bentley on the nice install pic and info you have here..

[Petecomp1]

04 Pilot, 118K. Thanks for the pictures, am going to put these on my 04 that sags like yours does when towing. I did try the Firestone air bags - not recommended because (1) too weak - it still sags at 50 PSI; (2) the tubing connections are wimpy and they leak and (3) a real difficult installation job that requires drilling holes in your bottom spring mounts and installing air tubing. I'm putting on the Monroes and removing the Firestones this weekend.