[Hellboy101qc]

I'm looking for the better solution (I don't care the price if the solution is good) to upgrade my 2016 Pilot to do off road. The biggest concern with 3rd gen Pilot is ground clearance. I know that I can put bigger tires but, at best, it will only provide 1 more inch clearance. Also, I'm towing a big travel trailer and even if the Ridgeline as the same towing capacity, it performs better than the Pilot at the task.
Possible solutions:

1. Lift kits - cheap solution but can prematurely worn transmission or other parts because it change where forces are applied (is it the same for all other solutions?). It won't help me for towing and could be worst.
2. Air suspension - I don't know much about it. My biggest concern is: will it be as much comfortable on normal road then stock suspension. I suspect it's probably the best solution if possible.
3. Change suspension parts (maybe a lot) for Passport or Ridgeline one. I don't know if it's possible but I guess so because it's all the same platform.

What do you think?

 

[STMech]

Weight Distribution Hitch. Check out the Fastway e2. How big is your trailer?

 

[The Todd]

Why do you feel a Ridgeline would tow better?

 

[Hellboy101qc]

Why do you feel a Ridgeline would tow better?

It has better suspension parts. Shocks are better, berings are bigger, and other parts have been modified for the Ridgeline.

 

[Hellboy101qc]

Weight Distribution Hitch. Check out the Fastest e2. How big is your trailer?

I have weight distribution hitch. It's not my point. I want to improve performances of the véhicule from factory specs.

 

[xGS]

I'm looking for the better solution (I don't care the price if the solution is good) to upgrade my 2016 Pilot to do off road.

Since cost is not a factor, contact Quigley to inquire if they would want to work on upgrading a Honda Pilot.
4x4 Vans : Quigley Motor Company, Inc.

 

[STMech]

I have weight distribution hitch. It's not my point. I want to improve performances of the véhicule from factory specs.

In my opinion, look for a different vehicle that is designed for off road. The Pilot is designed for all weather reliability, people hauling, and comfort. It's bones are not designed for off road.

 

[aggrex]

I'm looking for the better solution (I don't care the price if the solution is good) to upgrade my 2016 Pilot to do off road

Want to play off road with the Pilot means lift kit, tire upgrades and funds for axles and suspension bits. One thing you definitely need to survive out there is some protection for the vulnerable drivetrain and oil pan when going off road as you scrape and bang on uneven surfaces (rocks). Slim picking from the aftermarket so be prepared to make your own.

 

[aggrex]

In my opinion, look for a different vehicle that is designed for off road. The Pilot is designed for all weather reliability, people hauling, and comfort. It's bones are not designed for off road.

It can be done if ya want to play ya got to pay 💰 LOL

 

[IvoryHemi]

“A big travel trailer” is going to require a different vehicle.

Pilot has a weak rear differential, it’s not going to support significant tongue weight.

Rear GAWR (AWD) is only 3,097 - 3,142 lbs depending on trim

 

[thebulldog]

I have a 2" Traxda lift kit on mine with 265/60 (R18x8.5) Coopers that give about an extra 1/2 to 1". I've taken it mild off-roading and we've had a lot of fun with it. Still a great daily driver that hauls around our family of 6+ IMHO, the Pilot is probably one of the best 7-8 seater/all-rounder and its torque vectoring makes it more than capable of hitting many trails and terrains. I'm not sure about a "big travel trailer" though. Good luck!

You can see my set up here: Login • Instagram

 

[The Todd]

It has better suspension parts. Shocks are better, berings are bigger, and other parts have been modified for the Ridgeline.

I had no idea Honda actually made different drive train parts for a Ridge.
Thanks

 

[Adi]

If you want to be able to tow better and price isn't an issue, then you should trade in your Pilot for an SUV with a traditional truck frame and beefier engine. Something like a Toyota Sequoia.

 

[Hellboy101qc]

If you want to be able to tow better and price isn't an issue, then you should trade in your Pilot for an SUV with a traditional truck frame and beefier engine. Something like a Toyota Sequoia.

My pilot is able to tow my travel trailer. I went off road with it too. It's my day to day car and I don't want a second ride for less than 10% of my needs. I want to keep it for a long time. If I can't upgrade it, it will keep it stock.

 

[The Todd]

It can be done if ya want to play ya got to pay 💰 LOL

View attachment 140906 View attachment 140907

Is this you in the videos?
The pic looks like you ripped the grill on the Pilot?

 

[aggrex]

Is this you in the videos?
The pic looks like you ripped the grill on the Pilot?

No but the low hanging bumpers on these SUVs makes that ez to happen. That FB Pilot owner has been pushing his Pilot to the limits lately and I expect it to blow up pretty soon.

 

[lamby66]

OP - The pilot is a frameless uni-body suv. With that said, you should NOT use a equalizer hitch on it. An equalizer hitch rotates the frame to push the front end down reducing sag in the rear. The chassis of the pilot is NOT designed to handle that torque. I am pretty sure your best bet is like other stated.. Buy a fullsize SUV like a Yukon of you want to tow anything heavy enough where you think you need a equalizer hitch

 

[kslu_wa]

I have a 2" Traxda lift kit on mine with 265/60 (R18x8.5) Coopers that give about an extra 1/2 to 1". I've taken it mild off-roading and we've had a lot of fun with it. Still a great daily driver that hauls around our family of 6+ IMHO, the Pilot is probably one of the best 7-8 seater/all-rounder and its torque vectoring makes it more than capable of hitting many trails and terrains. I'm not sure about a "big travel trailer" though. Good luck!

You can see my set up here: Login • Instagram

Hey, I like the look of your lifted Pilot and tires. How many miles have you got on that lift? Any mechanical issues with the car after the install? Did the lift change the ride quality or stability significantly?

 

[kslu_wa]

I have a 2" Traxda lift kit on mine with 265/60 (R18x8.5) Coopers that give about an extra 1/2 to 1". I've taken it mild off-roading and we've had a lot of fun with it. Still a great daily driver that hauls around our family of 6+ IMHO, the Pilot is probably one of the best 7-8 seater/all-rounder and its torque vectoring makes it more than capable of hitting many trails and terrains. I'm not sure about a "big travel trailer" though. Good luck!

You can see my set up here: Login • Instagram

How long did it take to install the lift kit without alignment?

 

[El Flash]

In my opinion, look for a different vehicle that is designed for off road. The Pilot is designed for all weather reliability, people hauling, and comfort. It's bones are not designed for off road.

I beg to differ! Check my progress @awdtank on Instagram