Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

[2ndtry]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

I towed a 19'er (2,200 lbs dry weight, add about 400 for the OB, 1000 for trailer and fluids I guess about 4,000 total) with a Pilot for 3 years. I got tired of it and bought a F150, and the difference is night and day. The real story is the "D" on the shifter started blinking last year (about a year after I stopped towing with it), which means tranny issues. I sold the vehicle with less than 100K miles when I saw the pricetag for a new tranny. And yes, it did have the towing package.

I don't KNOW that the towing did in the tranny, but I wouldn't recommend towing even 4K with a Pilot.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

The OP was looking for someone to justify his desire to pull that rig with his Pilot. It appears that he's already stopped monitoring this post, but it's similar to so many that we see on this forum. I don't think that it was a genuine question.

However, for legal and insurance purposes you can tow up to the rated limit on your vehicle (in general). Anything over and you are in a world of financial trouble. I suspect that much like a DUI, a good lawyer could probably successfully sue you if you are just below the limit but should have known that the load was too dangerous to tow.

Morally, most folks on this forum agree that you are taking a risk by towing a load so close to the maximum rating of the vehicle. You risk your own life, the lives of your passengers, and those that come in contact with your vehicle. The brakes and shocks are all likely being heavily stressed during such a strenuous tow.

There are things that you can do to limit the risk, such as driving slowly, reducing the number of heavy items in the boat, and taking back roads. However, you can never account for the unexpected and that's what the majority of people want you to understand.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

Thanks again for everyone's replies. I love 99% of this iboats forum, but I always find it interesting that somewhat "snide" or judgmental remarks come out when they're not necessarily called for. Makes me sometimes wonder if this is a boating forum (the 99%), or a female book club gone bad (the 1%). For those that felt the need to go "above and beyond" with their answers/remarks, I guess I would ask if you ever "break the rules" in your life. Do you ever creep a mile or two over the speed limit? Do you ever glance down at your radio or console while driving - or do you always pull over first to change station or grab your sunglasses? Ever text while driving (no one ever seems to admit it, but my brother the cop says about 75% of the people on the road do it)? When's the last time you checked the tire pressure on your tires...are you sure you're not putting yourself and others in danger by being a pound or two over/under inflated?

All I was seeking was input on whether or not you'd do it. If you wouldn't do it - which is fine - then just share your civil risk/reward comments without judging others.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

Thanks again for everyone's replies. I love 99% of this iboats forum, but I always find it interesting that somewhat "snide" or judgmental remarks come out when they're not necessarily called for. Makes me sometimes wonder if this is a boating forum (the 99%), or a female book club gone bad (the 1%). For those that felt the need to go "above and beyond" with their answers/remarks, I guess I would ask if you ever "break the rules" in your life. Do you ever creep a mile or two over the speed limit? Do you ever glance down at your radio or console while driving - or do you always pull over first to change station or grab your sunglasses? Ever text while driving (no one ever seems to admit it, but my brother the cop says about 75% of the people on the road do it)? When's the last time you checked the tire pressure on your tires...are you sure you're not putting yourself and others in danger by being a pound or two over/under inflated?

All I was seeking was input on whether or not you'd do it. If you wouldn't do it - which is fine - then just share your civil risk/reward comments without judging others.

strokeoluck, I will second that with an amen! sometimes we get invaded by the lecture gods.

 

[98Shabah]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

strokeoluck, I will second that with an amen! sometimes we get invaded by the lecture gods.

I'll 3rd that.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

You really need to know and adhere to the vehicle manufactures Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCVR). Which I found here rated at 9700 Pounds. And this explains the GCVR for any one unclear about it.

 

[texasabil]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

I see lots of people doing it but hope ou don't need to stop fast and you all keep the tranny shop's in business!!!!

 

[98Shabah]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

10 miles to the ramp through the suburbs 6-8 times a year and all of the sudden he's going to be frying transmissions? What?! And a trailer that comes with a boat that size is more than likely going to come with trailer brakes. If the guy is thinking about this enough to ask for opinions on a message forum then he is far more conscientious about towing safety than the majority of people out there. While he's at the limit of the tow vehicle, he certainly doesn't need a 1 ton truck.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

I have avoided this thread like the plague but here it is.

Yes, I think your pilot could do it, if I was driving it with my mad towing skills sure, if this was my boat and I borrowed the pilot I would drive it and assume the responsibility.

Now the bad side, first mechanical, Your tranny is not going to get you anything for Christmas! And your brakes are not going to be happy with you either! Your tranny just isn't designed for the weight of the boat, too much weight and the bands will quickly overheat and its done. Your suspension will also be an issue but there are ways of overcoming this.

Legal side, Here in Colorado this will get you a wreckless driving charge, of course thats only if you have an accident and no one is hurt otherwise it will be much worse. So check your home state laws. Also as you have heard before things get ugly if you have an accident and there are injuries, lawsuits etc. Go easy on everyone, its winter people have cabin fever right now, I understand what your saying but then again your asking if its a big deal to break the law in some probably even most states so when you ask a question and get a resounding no, then comeback with "yeah but is it a big deal?" your bound to get a more emphatic NO! and the harsh words that go along with it. Nobody here wants to read about how you were on your way to the lake and got into an accident, multiple injuries and your in jail for who knows what charges, we want to hear about the great weekend you and yours had on the lake/ocean or river of your choice. Boats are about enjoying the fruits of your labors, Life and in some cases sacrifice not the adventure of getting there!

Anyway I hope you have a great boating experience!

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

Like Lipp, I didn't originally plan to put in my .02. But here's an insight nobody's offered. This is the scenario. An unlicenced driver is waiting at a red light. Someone not paying attention hits him from behind. Although the 2nd driver hit the unlicenced driver from behind, the liability is on the unlicenced driver who was just sitting there at the red light when he got hit. Why is the liability on him?... Because he is unlicenced. He never should have been there. He is at fault. That's the law in New York, anyway. I'd imagine it would be the same circumstance in your case if you're over the limit. I would never do it... and I'll try to refrain from calling together the lynch mob

 

[98Shabah]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

The great thing about the internet? Everybody is an expert! Lol!

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

No lecture here. I just wouldn't do it. I have towed over the limit in the past, but look back on it as stupid and unnessecary risk. Only you can decide, but you asked for opinions and that's what you're getting. Good luck and be safe with which ever you choose.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

For heaven sakes! Hook it up to your pilot and see how it tows. You will get your answer. I would at least TRY it before investing in another vehicle just to tow across the neighborhood a few times a year. Your OP was "Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha? " From a FUNCTIONAL standpoint you probably can.

 

[hostage]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

I own a MDX, which Honda's/Acrua's Luxury version of the Pilot. Boats are rated at 4500lbs and the way Honda/Acura rates the weight it also includes 4 passengers and gear. The manufacture puts specific limits on towing, though you can exceed those limits, it is not wise. I had the required OEM Trans cooler and OEM Power steering cooler installed at the dealer. I went to u-haul for a hitch and got my wiring harness from e-trailer. Cost me about ~$750 in all. While the boat is under the limit, if you already didn't know Pilots and MDX's have known issues with the Torque Converter and Transmission. You most likely won't have an issue, but your performance won't be as good compared to your 18.5 boat.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

Legal side, Here in Colorado this will get you a wreckless driving charge, of course thats only if you have an accident and no one is hurt otherwise it will be much worse.

What statute would one be breaking to lead to the reckless driving charge? I looked through the latest Colorado statutes and found nothing that's applicable.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

Your tranny just isn't designed for the weight of the boat, too much weight and the bands will quickly overheat and its done.

The bands only heat up when they slip while changing gears under load. The higher the load, the more heat they make. The load on the transmission is a function of two things though, the work being done (moving the weight of the rig), and the energy used to do the work (the power of the engine). Reduce either and there's little slip and little heat generated.

The simple way to avoid heat in the transmission while towing a heavy load is to only shift on a lifted throttle. When upshifting, just lift the throttle until the transmission is fully in the next gear, then get back on the gas. When downshifting, lift the gas and downshift manually with the gear selector. If you're approaching a hill that may require a downshift, downshift manually before you start climbing and just let the engine rev. It might sound bad when the engine revs up, but it's much easier on the drivetrain to do it this way.

 

[hostage]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

Also make sure you tow in D4 (not Overdrive)

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

What statute would one be breaking to lead to the reckless driving charge? I looked through the latest Colorado statutes and found nothing that's applicable.

42-4-1401. Reckless driving - penalty.





(1) A person who drives a motor vehicle, bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, or low-power scooter in such a manner as to indicate either a wanton or a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. A person convicted of reckless driving of a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall not be subject to the provisions of section 42-2-127.




(2) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. Upon a second or subsequent conviction, such person shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not less than ten days nor more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

From this website for Colorado Revised Statutes
http://www.michie.com/colorado/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp=

The key phrase here being "wanton or a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving" Which is pretty clearly towing a load exceeding the Manufacturers Suggested load limits.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

It would be nice to see answers that are relevant to the posted question......reckless driving? How absurd when his owners manual states that it can tow a BOAT trailer up to 4500#. The rated load here is 4364# with 50 gallons of gas! To me that is 136# to the good. To be reckless you have to be significally overloaded....not marginally UNDER loaded. Let us all quit being nanny's

 

[Jobless Recovery]

Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?

We have a 2008 Honda Pilot Ex-L (http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=4124
) that currently pulls a Bayliner 185. We're considering the purchase of a Yamaha AR210, which weighs about 4,350 # when full of gas. Between a couple anchors, a cooler and other "stuff" we store on the boat let's assume the whole shebang weighs 4,500 #. Here are the Yamaha specs: http://www.yamaha-motor.com/boat/products/modelspecs/235/0/specs.aspx ). We do not currently have a tranny cooler installed on the Pilot, but I plan on doing that this spring *if* we purchase the Yamaha.

We do all of our boating in the southwest suburbs of the Twin Cities. We rarely drive more than 10 miles to get to a boat ramp; then we boat and load 'er up and head right back home (well, maybe a stop at Dairy Queen on the way home!). We take the boat out an average of 6-8x/summer.

QUESTION TO THE GROUP: WOULD YOU TOW THIS YAMAHA BOAT WITH THE PILOT?

I agree with most statements given that you will be over the towing capacity limits, most people are concerned with transmissions and axle however, your biggest problem will be "brakeing". If you get in trouble and have to make an emergency stop that little Honda Pilot will be so overloaded that you WILL ROLL right into whatever is in front of you. Your insurance Company will not cover any of the damages and will not be held liable for any injuries, because you have chosen to exceed the recommended towing capacities. It's just like "drunk Driving" you just can't buy that much insurance.

What most people don't understand is, additional transmission cooler add-ons have no value unless you are in excess of 45mph. They won't do you much good on a short 10 mile trip and are absolutely useless in stop/go traffic. Remember no wind coming through the grill means that it's not cooling.