Posted 2015-05-31 10:39 AM (#163605) Subject: Hauling with Honda pilot
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Gainesville, va
Hi everyone,I need some advice. I have a 16.3hh tb and just bought a 1995 bumper pull horse trailer. It's empty weight is 2100lbs and my horse weighs 1200, so total towing weight will be about 3500 with horse and tack etc. I am looking into purchasing a 2015 Honda pilot. The tow capacity is 4500 lbs. what advice can I get from everyone to make my towing experience as safe as possible? Thanks!
Posted 2015-05-31 3:50 PM (#163606 - in reply to #163605) Subject: RE: Hauling with Honda pilot
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
I personally would look for another truck. The only people I know that use the Honda truck to tow are taking their boats to the lake, etc. What if a friend wants to tag along? You won't have enough wiggle room in your calculation. If it's a week long event you will have to take lots of hay/grain and luggage. Some of the best advice I've seen on the boards in my long tenure here was not to exceed 80% of your towing capacity. Horses are top heavy live weight, a good kicking fit can make a small trailer surge and sway. You do not want the tail wagging the dog!
Posted 2015-05-31 4:18 PM (#163607 - in reply to #163605) Subject: RE: Hauling with Honda pilot
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by Wishlucktb on 2015-05-31 10:39 AM
Hi everyone,I need some advice. I have a 16.3hh tb and just bought a 1995 bumper pull horse trailer. It's empty weight is 2100lbs and my horse weighs 1200, so total towing weight will be about 3500 with horse and tack etc. I am looking into purchasing a 2015 Honda pilot. The tow capacity is 4500 lbs. what advice can I get from everyone to make my towing experience as safe as possible? Thanks!
I wouldn't take that combination on any of the Interstates in VA...and the rolling hills out around Warrenton will definitely make you aware of that trailer behind you...
Posted 2015-05-31 9:39 PM (#163610 - in reply to #163605) Subject: RE: Hauling with Honda pilot
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
A Smart Car could probably tow something. There are many vehicles that tow well and create a safe environment while doing so. Towing large animals behind the Honda would not be my first choice. The tail wagging the animal is a distinct possibility.
Posted 2015-06-01 6:49 AM (#163611 - in reply to #163605) Subject: RE: Hauling with Honda pilot
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 430 Location: TN
The wheel base on the Pilot would not make it all that stable, but that is just my opinion.What is the reason for going with the Pilot as opposed to a larger SUV or a 1/2 ton truck?
Posted 2015-06-02 6:24 AM (#163622 - in reply to #163605) Subject: RE: Hauling with Honda pilot
Veteran
Posts: 134
I personally wouldn't go with this combination. It has been stated many times on this forum it is not what you can tow, it is what you can stop. I have throughbreds of that size and I wouldn't dream of putting them in that situation.
Posted 2015-06-02 6:25 PM (#163629 - in reply to #163605) Subject: RE: Hauling with Honda pilot
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/6914/honda/pilot/towing-with-a... this posting from this thread says it ALL... kipk Posts: 1,576October 2007terju88,See the postings over on the Pilot Maintenance and Repair forum last page. Bottom line is that the Pilot has a 4 pin electrical connector. A four pin connector will operate the trailer external lights; tail lights, Running lights, brake lights, and turn signals. Travel trailers also require wiring to operate the electric brakes and to charge the "House" battery. That involves a 7 pin connector. Therefore a 7 pin connector is standard for travel trailers and will not plug in to your Pilot. Honda does not offer a 7 pin connector. Or any type of wiring for the electric brake controller that mounts under your dash. That type of wiring would need to be done by a trailer or hitch dealer. Any problems that might/could occur with the Pilot wiring could possibly be traced back to the aftermarket wiring and void your warranty on electrical issues. Be careful!Common trailer towing practices suggest the trailer weight {loaded} not be over 85% of the maximum tow rating of the (tug) tow vehicle. That would dictate a maximum loaded trailer weight of 2975 pounds. The 15% margin is there to deal with mountains, strong head winds and the like. It is real easy to add several hundred pounds to a travel trailer without realizing it. Even at 3072# you are over the suggested "Safe rate"! Many TT published weights are for the basic trailer and do not include options such as AC, Awnings, Stabilizer jacks, antennas, spare tire, and such. So be absolutely sure of your "as equipped" weight plus things you add, such as water, dishes, electric heaters, and such. Other Problems! Trailer tongue weights should be at least 10-15% of the TOTAL TRAILER WEIGHT. Therefore a 3000+# trailer could have a tongue weight of 300-450#. Even when loaded properly, upright hard sided trailers will find any excuse in the world to "SWAY". Cross winds and 18 wheelers being the major causes. A sway can get out of control and result in an accident. To deal with the weight and sway there are Weight Distributing Hitches and sway controls available. Good news?Not with Honda! For the Pilot and the Ridgeline, They say, "We do not recommend the use of Weight distributing hitches". Yet they say to check with your trailer sales agency for proper equipment. The problems could be that the Pilot is basically a Front wheel drive. Pathfinder and 4Runners, which are rear wheel drive, offer the stuff necessary to tow. 7 pin connector, wiring pig tail for the under dash brake controller, and a serious tranny oil cooling radiator, instead of the pipe with fins offered by Honda. Fixing up the P/U truck and towing with it just might be the best bet!Kip
Posted 2016-05-31 11:19 PM (#167201 - in reply to #163605) Subject: RE: Hauling with Honda pilot
New User
Posts: 3
Location: South Dakota
My first rig, 20 years ago, was a Ford Explorer SUV, and bumper pull trailer. That set up didn't last long. Everything was an issue: big hills, wind, horse moving, etc. the Honda would only be good for short distances or emergency vet trips. I now drive a 1/2 ton pickup with gooseneck trailer. Much more stable and safer to drive! The engine, suspension, etc are NOT heavy duty enough to be pulling a 16.3 horse around, no matter what the specs state ( and this is from a woman who would love for it to work, sorry)
Hauling with Honda pilot
kipk Posts: 1,576October 2007terju88,See the postings over on the Pilot Maintenance and Repair forum last page. Bottom line is that the Pilot has a 4 pin electrical connector. A four pin connector will operate the trailer external lights; tail lights, Running lights, brake lights, and turn signals. Travel trailers also require wiring to operate the electric brakes and to charge the "House" battery. That involves a 7 pin connector. Therefore a 7 pin connector is standard for travel trailers and will not plug in to your Pilot. Honda does not offer a 7 pin connector. Or any type of wiring for the electric brake controller that mounts under your dash. That type of wiring would need to be done by a trailer or hitch dealer. Any problems that might/could occur with the Pilot wiring could possibly be traced back to the aftermarket wiring and void your warranty on electrical issues. Be careful!Common trailer towing practices suggest the trailer weight {loaded} not be over 85% of the maximum tow rating of the (tug) tow vehicle. That would dictate a maximum loaded trailer weight of 2975 pounds. The 15% margin is there to deal with mountains, strong head winds and the like. It is real easy to add several hundred pounds to a travel trailer without realizing it. Even at 3072# you are over the suggested "Safe rate"! Many TT published weights are for the basic trailer and do not include options such as AC, Awnings, Stabilizer jacks, antennas, spare tire, and such. So be absolutely sure of your "as equipped" weight plus things you add, such as water, dishes, electric heaters, and such. Other Problems! Trailer tongue weights should be at least 10-15% of the TOTAL TRAILER WEIGHT. Therefore a 3000+# trailer could have a tongue weight of 300-450#. Even when loaded properly, upright hard sided trailers will find any excuse in the world to "SWAY". Cross winds and 18 wheelers being the major causes. A sway can get out of control and result in an accident. To deal with the weight and sway there are Weight Distributing Hitches and sway controls available. Good news?Not with Honda! For the Pilot and the Ridgeline, They say, "We do not recommend the use of Weight distributing hitches". Yet they say to check with your trailer sales agency for proper equipment. The problems could be that the Pilot is basically a Front wheel drive. Pathfinder and 4Runners, which are rear wheel drive, offer the stuff necessary to tow. 7 pin connector, wiring pig tail for the under dash brake controller, and a serious tranny oil cooling radiator, instead of the pipe with fins offered by Honda. Fixing up the P/U truck and towing with it just might be the best bet!Kip