[BER]

First, let me confess I have "zippo" experience towing anything. I have plenty of second-hand experience riding with folks towing a trailer, but I have never done it myself. It seems very easy from the right seat, but looks can be deceiving.

I own a 2012 Honda Pilot AWD that claims to have a 4500 lbs. towing capacity. I would like to tow my '84 Carrera on an open trailer (i.e. U-Haul) to shows and events in distant locations.

I know some of you may be thinking...why does he not drive the car? Three reasons. 1) The car has 40k miles and original paint; it does not not do long road trips. 2) The car does not have a/c (think summers in the Mid-Atlantic). 3) The "loved one" likes the creature comforts of modern cars when we go on long road trips...nuff said about #3.

My question then is it practical to tow my car with a Honda Pilot? I value and appreciate your opinions, experiences and thoughts because you guys are the "Porsche gurus" in my book.

Thanks!

[bordin34]

My experience towing is a 21ft boat and a waverunner with a 2007 V6 Grand Cherokee and a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder. I only have towed them locally never on the highway.
The boat weighs around 4000lbs and both vehicles are underpowered for the job. I would not want to tow more than an hour with them or at highway speeds because although the vehicles weight rating says they can tow the weight it is not confidence inspiring.
I picked up a parts car 1985.5 944 with a U-haul trailer with the Grand Cherokee once. No power, awful fuel mileage, had to rev the engine high to get up to speed. Braking was pretty good however. I drove on the highway and it wasnt awful but with that tow vehicle I wouldnt want to drive far.
Trailer brakes are a must.
Practice backing up its difficult at first but once you get the hang of it its as easy as driving forward.
So basically while the Pilot will get the job done it is not the optimal tool for the job.

[Seltzer]

I have not looked it up, but I imagine your Targa weighs around 2800 pounds. While my Trailex trailer weighs around 800 lbs, my old Divey steel trailer was closer to 1300 lbs. I imagine the U-Haul trailer is steel and thus will weigh over 1000 lbls. While your car is rated for 4500 lbs, the closer you get to that, the less fun it is to tow.

[Potomac-Greg]

U-Haul trailers are VERY heavy. All galvanized steel. If I were the OP I would look into a nice, used aluminum open trailer.

[racer]

I believe at least one posted out here used a Ridgeline, which is the same as the Pilot underneath.

For limited tows you should be fine. Depending on the season, you might want to make sure you have an appropriate transmission cooler and tow package equipment.

Sometimes, U-Haul will ask what you are towing. Happened to my folks a couple of times when they were towing with their Taurus SHO. Seems they want to make sure that your "answer" fits their guidelines. IE, towing a 6K# load? they might say your tow vehicle isn't rated high enough and not rent you a trailer.

Yes, U-Haul trailers are very heavy. Also note they have "tallish" guides to keep you on the ramps. If your 911 is lowered, this *may* be an issue.

Recall also, that your 4500lb rating includes EVERYTHING.. trailer, items in/on trailer AND weight of cargo in the Pilot (you, wife, kids, coolers, etc)... so it is very possible that you could overload the tow vehicle weight rating.

[Cliff Claven]

if you are taking your family and all their stuff you might be getting to gross vehicle limit, so then adding a trailer will be pushing limits. stay under weight limits and you should be fine. consult your owners manual and follow instructions for towing.

[spiffyjiff]

Originally Posted by Potomac-Greg

U-Haul trailers are VERY heavy. All galvanized steel. If I were the OP I would look into a nice, used aluminum open trailer.

i looked into the uhaul once - according to the site they are 2200lbs empty. theyre beasts. add the car and youre at, if not over, your limit. not a good idea.

[BER]

This is what I was looking for..."tough love" feedback. For what it is worth, the only other traveler is the wife since the kids are grown and living elsewhere.

I had no idea the U-Haul trailers were that heavy. I could buy a new Trailex, but since I only plan to trailer a couple times a year, it does not make good economic sense to have it sitting for 340 days a year,

My takeaway is the Pilot is not a good tow vehicle. I appreciate your feedback.

Thanks.

[Trak Ratt]

X2 Do a search for lots more info and some nasty vids on towing.

[racer]

On the otherhand.. do you want to have to drive everyday a vehicle you need for towing only 5-10 days year?