Anyone use a Honda Pilot for Tug ?

[Jim G. - Ohio]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

Do note, the Pilot (and Ridgeline) are based on the Odyssey minivan platform, which in turn is built on an Accord platform. The AWD is FWD with RW assist, not an ideal setup for towing. and those rear differentials, with their automatic hydraulic clutches, are a weak spot.

Back to the original 2002 Pilot your information was correct as it was based on the Accord, Odyssey and Acura MDX platform and the engine came from the MDX. As of 2015 the 2016 Pilot utilizes an all-new chassis developed from the ground up. I see the Pilot as a very capable tow vehicle as long as you respect the tow ratings and allow a decent safety margin. Our Odyssey did a fine job towing our small fiberglass camper to Arizona and back last winter.

[Tim Wood]

If I do get another trailer I was thinking of a 16 or 17'. Thanks Jim

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Tim Wood

If I do get another trailer I was thinking of a 16 or 17'. Thanks Jim

We have (soon to be had) a SD16, and have used it extensively for about a year and a half, mostly dry camping, but some full hookup camping, too.

downsides: small holding tanks, my wife could fill the grey with a couple minimal showers. tiny dinette bed (24" wide by 72 long is just not comfortable for my 6' 220 lb self). low ceiling (5'11 or so?). rear bed is fine for 1 plus sized person, but IMHO too small for two, and the person on the inside has a way hard time climbing over the person on the outside. bumper is too weak to support a bike carrier.

plus sides: easy to tow, compact to store. I almost never use A/C, so like not having the rooftop unit.

we strongly considered a 17 Casita with the twin bed option and larger tanks, but instead ended up with an Escape 21.

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Tim Wood

John, So I take it the CR-V is also built like that too ? I know that Norm & Ginny used theirs for many trips around the US.

my son took his ex-GF's AWD CRV offroading and burned out the rear end, was expensive to fix on a student budget (where he did the work himself). the CR-V is a Civic on steroids.

[Jon in AZ]

So... Drive like Norm and you're golden.

[Tim Wood]

Thanks again to all

[Raz]

Hello Tim, long time no see. When it came time to replace my Frontier, I seriously considered the new Ridgeline. I believe it has the same drive train as the Pilot. One of the reasons I passed was the rear differential. It takes up so much room you can't fit a full size spare. Raz

[Vtec]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

Do note, the Pilot (and Ridgeline) are based on the Odyssey minivan platform, which in turn is built on an Accord platform. The AWD is FWD with RW assist, not an ideal setup for towing. and those rear differentials, with their automatic hydraulic clutches, are a weak spot.

A weak spot? The weakest spot on any Honda is usually the owner. Most just forget that they actually have to do maintenance, like changing transmission fluid, or differential fluid, even the oil.

[Tim Wood]

Hi Raz, Thanks for the feedback I appreciate it. Tim

[Tim Wood]

I'll go for the pilot but maybe get something else like a truck for a tug. I'll cross that bridge when I get another trailer.

[Raz]

FWIW I just bought a 2017 Frontier 4 x 4 crew cab, my third, for $26 k out the door. I wanted to buy before the redesign.

[Tim Wood]

Raz, That's a very good price, they will give me 23 for my 14 on a trade. I've had 3 also but wanted to get away from a truck for a while , and try something else. They do tow very good though so I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

[Raz]

Note that it is an S model which is the work truck as was my 2012. Nobody wants them ( but me ) hence the low price.

[Tim Wood]

Still that will make a nice Tug. I'm not too worried about doing some towing with the Pilot as I'm sure it won't be going in and out of awd on bare roads which is most of my traveling . What do you have for a trailer these days ?

[Raz]

Originally Posted by Tim Wood

Still that will make a nice Tug. I'm not too worried about doing some towing with the Pilot as I'm sure it won't be going in and out of awd on bare roads which is most of my traveling . What do you have for a trailer these days ?

Trillium 1300. So far nothing we've seen we liked better. Just hit 70k miles.

[Tim Wood]

That's a nice trailer and what year ?

[Raz]

Originally Posted by Tim Wood

That's a nice trailer and what year ?

We bought new in 2010. Lousy build quality but Jalousie windows on all sides was the big draw.

[Tim Wood]

I like those windows too.

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by Raz

We bought new in 2010. Lousy build quality but Jalousie windows on all sides was the big draw.

Somebody needs to explain to me the appeal of Jalousie windows. I would think they don't seal well, impair the view and are complex and hard to repair compared to a simple awning window.

[Alex Adams]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

Somebody needs to explain to me the appeal of Jalousie windows. I would think they don't seal well, impair the view and are complex and hard to repair compared to a simple awning window.

Jalousie Windows open wider and give more ventilation than the awning style and can be open in the rain unlike the sliding windows.