Towing Boat w FWD Pilot?

[Tmuchacho]

Would love some feedback from y'all on using my 2011 Touring for towing a 20' Boat and Trailer with a combined weight of approx. 3500lbs. I know I'm below the limit, but a little concerned about its ability to pull out of the launch ramp. Anyone currently doing the same with a FWD Pilot or 4WD for comparison? Thanks!

[sky pilot]

Have a 2011 Pilot EXL 4wd. I tow and ramp a 22 ft. Palm Beach
with 90 HP Yamaha....never have a problem. No ramp slippage at all.
I do have the towing package and use it.

[nickstradamus]

I wish I had a 20ft boat....does that count?😜


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[Brolan]

I have a 18 foot boat that comes in about 3500 lbs and have never had slippage. But since I have the 2012 EX 4WD that doesn't tell you much because the 4WD system is automatic.

My experience in boat hauling with other vehicles would indicate you will have issues from time to time.

[Yahooligan]

Originally Posted by Tmuchacho

Would love some feedback from y'all on using my 2011 Touring for towing a 20' Boat and Trailer with a combined weight of approx. 3500lbs. I know I'm below the limit, but a little concerned about its ability to pull out of the launch ramp. Anyone currently doing the same with a FWD Pilot or 4WD for comparison? Thanks!

At 3500lb with a 2WD (FWD) Pilot actually isn't below the limit, you're right at the limit provided your Pilot has the transmission cooler. My brain is fuzzy right now (flu), but IIRC the Touring comes with the transmission cooler by default. Only the 4WD Pilots with the trans cooler have tow ratings above 3,500lb.

That said, we've towed boats with FWD minivans and had no issues at the ramp BUT the ramps were in good shape and not slick. All bets are off if your local ramp is crappy.

[Tmuchacho]

Thanks to all who replied, and yes I see 3500lb is the max for the 2WD. In 2011 I think the tranny cooler was standard on all of the Pilots and it wasn't until 2012 that they made that an option. Boat will be on a dock most of the time, so I suppose I'll be fine for some occasionally trailering.

[epena2]

I have the 2009 FWD and i tow a 20 ft pontoon with 90 horse mercury, ive had alittle slippage but only when wife punches it alittle, but as soon as she easies the throttle its pulls out fine, and thats the worst it gets, any other time it doesnt slip, i dont know the weight of the boat and trailer, but it is only single axle.

[rocky]

The only problem you are going to have is weight transfer and trying to pull a boat up a ramp if its steep enough. Once you lose traction at the front, that boat isn't going to come out of the water.

[RinconVTR]

There are PLENTY of minivans and pulling boats, though 20' is probably pushing it. For many years, a good friend invited my kids and I on an 18' Bayliner Bowrider towed with an underpowered Chrysler minivan. There was never a problem.

Provided the tongue weight is the typical 7-10% of the trailer weight, which isn't over 3500lbs loaded & fueled for FWD towing, I dont see any problem here.