Re: Can a 2008 Honda Pilot tow a 21' Yamaha?
Guys I feel like were just missing the point here, its not that the OP can or can't do it, but if he does and gets into an accident what are the ramifications of his actions. Part of the job Law Enforcement has been charged with doing isn't just black and white law to us its also determining negligence which the insurance companies or the victim then use to go after the negligent party civilly. That's why I posted the statute of my state that law enforcement will use to charge the offending party, that's how Law Enforcement here in CO determines negligence, they charge the guilty party so that the victim knows who was at fault, at that point the victim can use a civil court to recoup their costs of the accident. Bigdee I think ultimately we are arguing the same point the problem is your arguing a technicality, that's why I posted the statute here in CO it could very well be different where you live but where I live as I stated in my post you will be charged with a traffic infraction IF you are involved in an accident and are determined to be at fault, if further investigation determines you knowingly exceeded the manufacturers tow ratings of the vehicle you are also guilty of willful and wanton disregard of the safety of person or property, Which is breaking the law its no technicality the only gray area is that you will never be charged with this if you never have an accident. While I understand your point that were all doom and gloom and that we shouldn't try to scare people I feel differently, I believe the OP asked for an opinion, I then told him the facts, I quoted the law and now he can chose on his own what he wants to do knowing exactly that his actions are Illegal in at least one state. Most normal people would then go and look into the legalities of their home state but that's not my problem or yours or Silvertips but to argue about hypothetical weights on paper is useless you know darn well that once the OP loads his boat, gear, gas and passengers he will be over weight the margin is just to close.
Not meant as a rant but I have verified this thoroughly including with several State Patrol Officers and Sheriffs Deputies all of which are accident investigators that I personally know, this situation is very common they see it nearly everyday albeit not boats but others towing vastly more then the tow vehicle is rated for, every one of my sources also said that the criminal side of an accident of this type is miniscule as compared to the civil side.
I have also stated in previous posts that there are those that have the skill or vision whatever you want to call it to tow loads that may exceed the ratings of the tow vehicle and have never had an issue and I may be one of them BUT none of us know the OP personally or his skills, I can toot my own horn and tell everyone here that I tow 10,000lbs regularly, I have towed up to 16,000lbs behind my 1 ton diesels and have hauled more driving a tractor over the passes here in Colorado but those are just words on the web none of you know me so whats that worth? That's why I posted the law, verify at will.
In closing I always like to put a smile on the faces of those I am in heated debate with so please enjoy a related video that thankfully no one was injured in:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05ru1l2gN88
Please be safe everyone
