Honda Pilot - Honda Pilot Forums banner
Cancel

Sierra Nevada - Touring's first snow drive

5095 Views 16 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  mailmanwes, 
Michal
I went for the first snow trial to Sierra Nevada last weekend. Almost missed the snow but fortunately we got some fresh stuff overnight.
Ready to go from Tahoe Donner to Squaw Valley, warmed and cleaned...

Attachments

See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
Michal
local road in the morning

Attachments

See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
Michal
Downhill at Tahoe Donner

Attachments

See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
Michal
Highway 89 from Truckee to Squaw Valley, about 50 mph

Attachments

See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
Michal
and in some heavy snow - Squaw Valley Road

Attachments

See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
Michal
In summary it was a solid snow performance. The only mishap was my fault when I went off pavement in deep snow with right wheels :eek:
After couple of minor side slides I regained control with no problem.
On the way back to Bay Area we went through the snow storm at Donner Summit. Too dark to take pictures.

M :4:
Reply
Save
Like
sblvro
:D awesome pics!
Reply
Save
Like
D
Sweet pics!
Reply
Save
Like
Michal
sblvro said:
:D awesome pics!
Click to expand...
Your inspiration :6:

M :4:
Reply
Save
Like
E
Michal - If you have experience with other SUV's, how does the Pilot handle the snow/ice in comparison? I'm shopping for an SUV and live in a snowy climate. The Pilot is on my short list, but I read some negative things about the VT-M 4wd system the Pilot has. It was on a Toyota site, so it could have just been fanboy-ism, but nevertheless a good 4wd system is important to me. Thanks! (nice pics by the way)

eagle
Reply
Save
Like
sblvro
Michal said:




Your inspiration :6:

M :4:
Click to expand...
nice job:) :claphead:
Reply
Save
Like
Michal
eagle63 said:
Michal - If you have experience with other SUV's, how does the Pilot handle the snow/ice in comparison? I'm shopping for an SUV and live in a snowy climate. The Pilot is on my short list, but I read some negative things about the VT-M 4wd system the Pilot has. It was on a Toyota site, so it could have just been fanboy-ism, but nevertheless a good 4wd system is important to me. Thanks! (nice pics by the way)

eagle
Click to expand...
Eagle -
The only experience I have with SUV is my previous (last 8 years) Honda CRV AWD... It is a veteran of many skiing trips and it performed without any problem. I put well over 230k on the car. I was very happy in snow or ice conditions. It performs a bit differently than Pilot and I think it is due to it's weight. I think the light weight might be an advantage or disadvantage depending on conditions. Going over the snow or plowing through it...
I just posted my skidding experience o another thread you may be interested in
http://www.piloteers.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=326211#post326211
Bear in mind that my snow experience in the last 20 years is limited to my ski trips to Sierra Nevada... It is not every day snow driving. I used to drive in heavy winter conditions every day and night many years ago but in totally different cars. The technology advanced significantly... I wouldn't attempt to compare Honda to Toyota 4WD capabilities because I don't know enough.
However I need to point out that Pilot is much, much cooler than anything else. No bias of course :2:
I am sure there will be others with more Toyota vs Honda experience...

M :4:
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
M
what thule rack did u use was it the 450 crossroad? i beleive it will fit but thule shows nothing for 09 fit
Reply
Save
Like
Michal
mailmanwes said:
what thule rack did u use was it the 450 crossroad? i beleive it will fit but thule shows nothing for 09 fit
Click to expand...
Their website is not updated for 2009 Pilot. I ended up calling their customer service and getting the info.
I have:
1.Thule 450R Rapid Crossroad Railing Foot Pack (pack of 4)
2. Thule RB53 Rapid Aero Aluminum Roof Rack Load Bars (53 in x2)
3. Thule Universal Flat Top Ski Carrier #91724 (for 4 pairs)
I got aero bars because they promise less wind noise and I think they look better. I already have kayak mount which will fit on aero bars.
I am a little disappointed with mounting clips on attachments... There are slots on aero bars which I think were designed to slide the attachment in. I think they are coming with a new design soon.

M :4:
Reply
Save
Like
Michal
mailmanwes said:
what thule rack did u use was it the 450 crossroad? i beleive it will fit but thule shows nothing for 09 fit
Click to expand...
This may help

http://www.hondapilot.org/photopost/showgallery.php?ppuser=43362

M :4:
Reply
Save
Like
C
eagle63 said:
Michal - If you have experience with other SUV's, how does the Pilot handle the snow/ice in comparison? I'm shopping for an SUV and live in a snowy climate. The Pilot is on my short list, but I read some negative things about the VT-M 4wd system the Pilot has. It was on a Toyota site, so it could have just been fanboy-ism, but nevertheless a good 4wd system is important to me. Thanks! (nice pics by the way)

eagle
Click to expand...
I have driven in snow with the Pilot and the AWD system in the Toyota Sienna which is similar (I think exactly the same) as the Highlander. The Pilot's response and control is way better. The Highlander doesn't even allow manual lock/engagement of the AWD system, in any gear, as the Pillot does in the lower gears. Now if you're comparing it to the 4Runner that'sa different story, but I don't consider them in the same class -- the Pilot is a CUV and the 4Runner is an SUV...
Reply
Save
Like
M
thanks
i have alot of standard bars and accessories and could use the 450 thule
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Honda Pilot - Honda Pilot Forums
Piloteers.org forum community offers tech info, troubleshooting, modification DIY’s and discussion for the Honda Pilot SUV.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Discussions 2016-2022 Pilot 2003-2008 Pilot 2012-2015 Pilot 2009-2011 Pilot
Top