| NickM |
I've read through the towing posts this week and think I have the basic idea. Any corrections to my assumptions would be very much appreciated.
(Assumes towing package)
2WD pulls max 3500/3500 (boat/trailer)
4WD pulls max 4500/3500 (boat/trailer)
(these tow weight limits are adjusted to match passenger/cargo carried)
Pilot includes a 4 pin wire connector that requires conversion to 7 pin in order to operate trailer brakes and battery charge.
Good trailer brake controller (w/voltage adjustment for anti-skid calibration) is recommended.
DO NOT USE
Load leveler bar. Instead weight limits (axle/tongue/pull etc.) should be carefully adhered to.
Cruise control when towing heavy.
USE
High octane when towing heavy (over?).
QUESTIONS
Is there no snap-in adapter for the current trailer wire connector? (i.e. to get a 7 pin). Must leads must come directly from the battery to accomplish this?)
I'm in Texas (Dallas), which is dead flat. We are planning trailering to one of 2 parks (50 miles and 75 miles). Does this sort of towing allow any lattitude with the trailer weight limits? |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by NickM
.. . . Does this sort of towing allow any lattitude with the trailer weight limits?
Yes and no.
Not in writing, with regard to warranty or other legal issues.
Yes of course, as all "ratings" of this type are based on some typical/worst-case set of conditions and some acceptable safety margin.
It is not that 3499 LB is just fine and 3501 lb is suddenly overloaded and unsafe. |
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| dustino8 |
quote:
Originally posted by NickM
[list]DO NOT USE
Load leveler bar. Instead weight limits (axle/tongue/pull etc.) should be carefully adhered to.
In my opionion, I wouldn't pull a heavy load without load leveler bars (ie. weight distribution hitch). I pull a travel trailer, and use a weight distribution hitch. When you have a large amount of tongue weight, the weight that your front axle in carrying is reduced, which affects your steering, and increases trailer sway. A lot of people use air bags to reduce the rear end sag, but you aren't accomplishing anything with these except for eliminating rear sag (ie no weight is transferred back to the front axle).
I have tried towing my trailer when it was empty (dry weight) without the WDH, and it feels A LOT more controlled with the WDH.
I realize Honda doesn't recommend the use of a WDH due to the possibiliity of improper adjustment (thats the way its put in the 2003 manual anyway).
I believe that this is due to the possibility of overloading the front axle, becasue if you look at the FAWR, there is little room for adding extra load. I adjust my hitch by first measuring the front fender height on a level surface, hitch up the trailer, then add enough tension on the bars to bring the front end back down to where it was originally. The rear then has some slight sag, but its pretty minimal.
JMO and experience. |
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| NickM |
I really appreciate the quick replies. An RV dealer said the same thing you did about the weight distribution hitch.
Are the other assumptions ok?
We were considering pulling about 3800 (loaded trailer) with 2/3 adults and 1/2 kids (4 max). With our type of trips, anyone think I'm pushing my luck with this setup? |
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| dustino8 |
If it is flat where you'll be towing, you should be alright, as long as your trailer and hitch are setup properly. My trailer is nearly 4000lbs loaded, and the combination feels solid. I used to tow a 4500lb trailer with a Chevy 2500HD, so I have a good idea what a solid setup should feel like. Don't get me wrong, the pickup was a far superior tow vehicle, but I feel confident pulling my current trailer with the Pilot.
I wouldn't want to tow throught the mountains with my weight, it would just be too hard on the drivetrain. I can maintain 50mph up a 7-8% grade on through a river valley, but thats in second gear at 4500 rpm. On grades that are around 3-4%, 3rd gear has sufficient power.
Just be sure that your loaded trailer weight is what you think it is. The weights of everything you pack add up fast.
One more note, Honda decreases the tow limit with a certain amount of passengers. I think it is after 3, but can't remember specifically. That assumes 150lb passengers with 15lbs of cargo each in the vehicle. When we go, it is my wife and I, 40lb child, and 70lb dog. |
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| dustino8 |
| One more note :) , do yourself a favor and spend a little extra on a Prodigy brake controller (made by Tekonsha). Its a proportional type, and your braking smoothness will be much improved. |
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