HONDA PILOT .ORG Archive - Towing \ Coolers \ link to wdh on Honda.com

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Towing \ Coolers \ link to wdh on Honda.com - Click HERE for Original Thread

hseeng

Interesting news for those who want to tow with their Pilot and use a Weigh Distribution Hitch. I was searching around looking for answers and found these two links.

http://corporate.honda.com/press/ar...d=2004091352190
http://corporate.honda.com/press/ar...d=2003100851530

b) Requires transmission oil cooler and power steering fluid cooler and may require surge-type or electric trailer brakes (1,000 lb.+), weight-distribution hitch (1,850 lb.+) and sway control (2,000 lb. +). Maximum towing capacity may vary depending on passenger/cargo load of vehicle. Consult the ownerÅs manual for complete details.

I’m looking to tow a 3100lb popup trailer with a 500lb tongue weight. (weighed on truck scale with a canoe on the roof of trailer) Jayco 12LSO

I just bought a used 2003 Pilot to replace a 1999 Chevy Venture (Extended)

A Venture is only rated to pull 3000lbs with factory installed trailer package. (This includes a 3 inch radiator opposed to 2.75 inch, air bags in rear, hitch, and a lower transmission gear ratio) (I don’t own one of these)

I, on the other hand only added an aftermarket transmission cooler to the Venture. (a Mr Transmission kit From Canadian tire $89) No Power steering cooler. The tongue weight was a problem so I added a weight distribution hitch. It defiantly helped and kept everything nice and level.

I pulled the same trailer with the Venture and it seemed fine pulling anywhere. Some long hills but not real mountain type hills.

I think I bent the entire hitch in an upward potion by 1/4 inch because of the strain the distribution hitch put on the receiver. This was after one trip where I had to back up and down some real uneven ground to get to a camp site. I figured the hitch bent 1/32, the vans frame bent 1/64 (swashed the under coating) and the rest was siding movement in the distribution hitch adjustments. Some real ugly sounding noises where coming from the WDH and ball mounts.

I carefully inspected the hitch after the trip and no welds where broken.

Everything seems fine but as tell by the numbers I’m pushing recommended limits of the Venture.

I did a quick search on the Pilot and fount out it can pull 3500 (trailer) 4500(Boat). I figured my trailer by the way it’s designed in the front (V slanted storage bin in the front) must have comparable wind resistance as a large boat with a big wind screen etc….

So now I own a Honda. But after reading this web site I found out about the WDH clause.

I haven’t found the link on the web where it “quotes” it is not recommended to use a wdh.

I figure I’m going to try. Just put a bit more weight on the rear tires then the front.

Going the check the installed Hitch as well and make sure large washers or plate steel is used around bolt areas before using the trailer. (easier on the unibody frame I hope)

Everyone comments on the unibody frame issue. Stating it’s weaker. True. But the Odyssey supposed to have the same frame but can use a wdh. (maybe Honda put in stiffening plates on the Odyssey. Who knows).

I’m wondering if it has something to do with the VTM transmission. You see if people out there grossly over load or over pull the weigh limits (e.g 5000lb trailer) and use a wdh it will confuse the transmission under certain conditions. The distribution hitch (if setup incorrectly) could put to much load on the front tires and actually lift the rear tires of the ground. (eg. Driving over uneven ground and I’ve seen it done) The VTM computer would sense odd rear tire torques and try to condensate for it. May damage the transmission. (Unlikely is my guess) I’m guessing the Odyssey does not have this VTM feature and why its allowed.

Also pondering putting in aftermarket coolers like I did on the Venture. Problem is the OEM coolers together here in Canada cost $800 (parts only). That’s ridiculous because I can buy two aftermarket for $170 or less. Question is will it effect the rest of the cooling system by putting on the aftermarket ones? i.e. A Honda 4wd transmission is not the same as a simpler GM product.

Comments?

Does anyone know where I came buy Honda OEM coolers in Canada at a lower cost? Or a US company that will ship to Canada. Checked 4 places already and all say NO.

Anyone using aftermarket coolers on the Honda?

Thanks

dustino8

Hondaacuraworld.com (site sponsor) is probably your best bet for getting the OEM coolers. I've ordered twice from them (to Canada) and had no problems whatsoever. I did get nailed for $50 duty on the crossbars I ordered, but nothing on the separation net. I still saved $180 by getting the crossbars from the US. The accessory prices in Canada are ridiculous.

I believe Vettepilot recently installed an aftermarket tranny cooler. If you do a quick search, you should be able to find the thread.

mmmmark

quote:
Originally posted by dustino8
Hondaacuraworld.com (site sponsor) is probably your best bet for getting the OEM coolers. I've ordered twice from them (to Canada) and had no problems whatsoever. I did get nailed for $50 duty on the crossbars I ordered, but nothing on the separation net. I still saved $180 by getting the crossbars from the US. The accessory prices in Canada are ridiculous.

I believe Vettepilot recently installed an aftermarket tranny cooler. If you do a quick search, you should be able to find the thread.

Another option to the wdh is the Airlift leveling airbags that go inside the coil springs. Several people have posted about them on this forum and say that they help level the vehicle. They shouldn't be used to "overhaul" but help level nicely within stated limits.