Thank you for all the information. I have neither a tow vehicle or a trailer but plan on getting both. A lot to think about and your information was a big help!!

@JohnMarucci

5 жыл бұрын

Glad the video was helpful. All the best as you work toward your tow vehicle and trailer. Thanks for watching!

Good discussion. For years we towed an rpod 179 with a 2011 Honda Pilot. Recently we replaced the Pilot with a GMC Yukon- more power and a much easier tow. And remarkably, a couple more mpg.

@JohnMarucci

2 жыл бұрын

Thomas, thanks for sharing your experience towing with the Honda Pilot and GMC Yukon. I found a night and day difference moving from my 2014 Pilot to my 2017 Toyota Tundra. The Pilot can do the job for the smaller R-Pods, but the larger SUVs and Trucks are much better suited for the job. Thanks again!

Great video. Just bought a used Pilot and was searching for information about this. Thanks!

@JohnMarucci

2 жыл бұрын

Glad the video was helpful!

Great video and all the explanations you gave are very helpful.

@JohnMarucci

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

I pull my R-pod 190 with a GMC Acadia. I did put an after market transmission cooler on the vehicle. This kept my transmission roughly 30 to 40 degrees cooler than before the modification. This helped greatly when pulling up the mountains in California and Nevada!!

@JohnMarucci

5 жыл бұрын

Great idea on the transmission cooler as it will certainly help with performance of your GMC. The Pilot I used did have one from the factory if you had the 4WD model, which certainly helped. Thanks for the comment and for watching!

Thanks so much!!! Love your videos.

@JohnMarucci

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

Thanks for pointing me to this video! I broke out my Lexus Owner's Manual and will study it!

@JohnMarucci

Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

This was so helpful thank you! We have a pilot and just got a small travel trailer. Appreciate the time you took to put this together.

@JohnMarucci

2 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that the video was helpful!

@hicks94

2 жыл бұрын

how's it going with your pilot and trailer? we're going to pick our 3000 lb trailer up this week to be towed with our 2010 Pilot EXL, and I'm a little nervous about it.

@JohnMarucci

2 жыл бұрын

I sold my Pilot a while back and have a Toyota Tundra I tow with now. If the 2010 Pilot is 4WD, it should have 4,500 lbs. towing capacity (you should double check). You want to be light on packing the trailer and even though the manufacturer doesn't recommend a weight distribution hitch, I used one with my Pilot. Thanks!

@hicks94

2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnMarucci yup, I picked my 3k lb trailer up the other day and towed it home with the Pilot. It did the job, but kind of struggled on a couple of the steep hills here in Oregon. Other than that, it was fine.

@tonireed4210

2 ай бұрын

Hi I have a Honda 2009 pilot and I wanted to tow my 2004 Honda accord I am crossing states and need to drive it 12 hours and was wondering if I would be able to do that and save some money on it

Thank You for a very informative video 🙂

@JohnMarucci

Жыл бұрын

Glad the video was helpful!

Great info John.

@JohnMarucci

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Thank you for the video it was very helpful we are buying a Rv and we have a 2016 Honda Pilot

@JohnMarucci

5 жыл бұрын

Alex, glad the video was helpful. The Pilot is a great vehicle. All the best in your buying experience!

@eeraub10

3 жыл бұрын

What’s the max UVW for an RV for a 2015 Pilot? We have 4 ppl riding so 400lbs in the pilot already. Two adults, two kids.

@noladronelife_6574

3 жыл бұрын

Hi John.I have a ‘13 Honda Pilot FWD.Did you run into any situations where your pilot seem under powered when eco mode was engaged.Also what model R Pods would you recommend for FWD Honda pilots?

We have a 2016 Pilot with the factory tow package. We pulled an Aliner Expedition for 2 years until the pandemic hit. Campers without a bathroom were denied access to about half of the places we wanted to go. We ordered a 2021 179 and waited about 5 months hearing that the 179 was to be discontinued. To our surprise the 179 came with a 5 cu ft fridge in the bump out. A real bonus for a good cook. While the owners manual said a WHD was not needed but OK to use, we went with a Fastway E2 because it had sway control. The first time we pulled it, the wind resistance was much greater compared to the Aliner. We haven't traveled west of the Mississippi yet so we haven't seen any big long grades. We have been in West Virginia and Arkansas which have short steep grades. The 179/2016 Pilot has worked well for us. so far.

@JohnMarucci

Жыл бұрын

Sounds good. I think if you have the WDH set right and are willing to take it slow, the older model 4WD Pilots can do the job. Sounds like you got one of the very last 179s with the larger fridge. I assume you have the convection/microwave under the counter near the stove? Thanks for sharing!

Was thinking about a '20 Ridgeline (very similar to Pilot)... Will probably have to go F150 or Ranger as my trailer weight is 4400.. Great info... Thanks

@JohnMarucci

4 жыл бұрын

Glad the video was helpful. All the best!

Great information and very logically presented. Thanks for putting this together and talking us through it. I'm in a similar spot, in that I have a 2010 Jeep Liberty, and think a trailer at 2,500 lbs dry would be ideal. No plans to be pulling through mountains for a couple of years. And then I'll be upgrading to an F150 with a V8. So this was the exact "personal experience" info that I was looking for.

@JohnMarucci

4 жыл бұрын

Glad the video was helpful! Sounds like you have a good plan. All the best!

A very similar situation with my 2018 Jeep Cherokee. It came with the factory tow pkg that gave it 4500 lbs GVRW and 450 lbs hitch weight. Jeep includes a hvy duty oil cooler and larger radiator with the tow pkg. I take 20% off for a safety margin so the 171 should be a good fit if I upgrade from my Viking Saga PUP.

@JohnMarucci

11 ай бұрын

Sounds like a good match.

Thank you John! This answered my question and you gave me information that I have not heard before! I think getting a bigger tow vehicle is the way I want to go. The stopping factor is a concern and I think I would feel safer in a larger tow vehicle. Thanks again for taking the time to put all of this information together! Great video!!!

@JohnMarucci

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris. Glad the video was helpful. All the best and thanks again for watching!

This answered a few i had . The Ridgeline is based on the Pilot and you skipped over it to a Tundra .Thanks

@JohnMarucci

6 жыл бұрын

The Ridgeline has the same towing capacity as the Pilot and is on the same platform as you pointed out. I was really looking to future-proof and buy more than I needed for the 179. I really like the Tundra as a tow vehicle. I only wish Honda decided to make a body on frame truck with a V8.

Thanks for the great info here. After seeing post after post of folks on this subject, overkill is okay with me. Seems your Tundra is a great choice. Along with the correct towing set up for my RV choice, I want a TV to be well more than I need for any terrain. I want my truck to be more than able to control my RV at any given time and situation, planned and unplanned. A V8 Tundra and the like can certainly do that.😉👍 ☺ Thanks for sharing. Be safe, Be blessed 😉☺💙🇺🇸❤

@JohnMarucci

5 жыл бұрын

Donna, I couldn’t agree more. I love having a TV that is more than needed and the Tundra is a great truck. Thanks for the comments and for watching!

Hi john, I'm so glad I ran into your videos. I am in the process of buying an Rpod 179 to be pulled with a v6 Nissan frontier with a towing capacity of 6400 lbs. According to your viewers if the drop on the towing vehicle is less than one inch I do NOT need a weight distribution hitch? Those hitches can also add another 150 to 200 lbs to the tongue. What good inexpensive anti-sway device would you recommend?

@JohnMarucci

4 жыл бұрын

Phil, I would recommend a good weight distribution hitch. My Blue Ox is maybe 50 lbs additional weight but adds considerable safety and anti-sway. I haven't used a set up with just an anti-sway device, so I have no recommendation. All the best!

As an update on the newer models the CD manual that comes with the pilot,not the paper one which is what a lot of online PDFs use, states that “your vehicle is designed to tow without the need for a load distribution hitch. If you choose to use one, please consult your trailer maker for proper installation and set up. Improper set up could degrade handling, stability, and braking performance of your vehicle.”

@JohnMarucci

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the updated information from the newer models manual!

John, thanks for your comments. A question and I may have missed it, what kind of mileage did you get while towing the trailer. Particular long distance runs. I have a 2016 exl has the 6 speed and looking at options for towing. We were planning a cross country trip, (not so sure with Covid) Thank you.

@JohnMarucci

4 жыл бұрын

Dennis, I got about 24 mpg highway on my 2014 Pilot 4WD when NOT towing. This went down to about 10 mpg when towing the R-Pod 171. Speed and proper leveling of the trailer did make a difference. If you keep it no higher than 60 mph and ensure the trailer sits level when hooked to the Pilot, you should see similar results. Obviously the type of gas (ethanol hurts mpg) and driving conditions (head winds, hills) will affect mpg. Thanks for the question. All the best!

We tow our rpod with our Honda Ridgeline.

Hi John, I am planning to get one of the RP-195 and also Toyota Highlander v6 limited 2012 and above. What is your thought on towing strength of Highlander. Only myself (110 lbs ) and pup (about 35 lbs) will be traveling/living. Let me know. Thanks a bunch for educating all of us.

@JohnMarucci

3 жыл бұрын

You will need to understand the towing capacity of the specific Highlander you buy and if it can tow the R-Pod 195 at the 3,700 lbs. unloaded weight. I think you may have about 5,000 lbs. capacity on the Highlander (depending on model). If you add any gear to the trailer or SUV it gets very close to capacity. I like having plenty of towing capacity margin for safety.

Weight distribution hitch assemblies are very heavy, that weight deducts from your already low GVWC.

Thank you for the video! Great advice and great comments below. My wife and I went shopping for one just few weeks ago and picked up a 2012 KZ Spree Spirit 20’ 3200 lbs dry Travel trailer. We have a 2015 Honda Pilot awd with trans cooler, trailer brake system and WDH (equalizer). We took our first trip couple weeks ago about 3 hour drive. Honda did well but I can certainly tell Rpms climbed even at the slightest steeps. I think we over packed for the trip adding unneeded weight. Do you think we are ok with trips under 3 hours? We do not add any water to the tanks as we stay at full hook up sites.

@JohnMarucci

5 жыл бұрын

Carlos, it sounds like you have the Pilot properly outfitted. Your Pilot should have a max towing capacity of 4,500 lbs. minus passenger and any other weight in the Pilot. I think if you minimize weight in the Pilot and keep weight in the trailer to an absolute minimum you should be okay for shorter trips. The other thing to double check is that the trailer is level when hooked up to the Pilot. Unfortunately with my first Pod (171) the dealer connected the WDH so that the trailer was way up at the front. Once I got this corrected the Pilot did much better with revving. Hope this helps. All the best!

John I would be very interested in what kind of mileage you get in the tundra.i am presently towing my 191 with the GMC Sierra 1500 with the 5.3 V8. I got 10 in the mountains and 11 in the plains. I also strongly recommend the WDH and the brake controller if your vehicle is not equipped. I am replacing my GMC (200k miles) with the tundra or the Ford F-150 EcoBoost. Any thoughts? Really enjoy the channel

@JohnMarucci

5 жыл бұрын

Al, I generally get between 10.5 and 12 MPG towing the 179. Less with hills or head wind, better otherwise. The Tundra is a good truck and has been dependable. You should consider that the current model is very close to a major upgrade in the next model year or two. Also, the Ford 150 will likely get better mileage when not towing. The Tundra’s 13 City/17 Highway is fairy accurate. I think either would be good tow vehicles.

Excellent video. Also something that often gets overlooked or unknown altogether by drivers, is that the tow weight rating of a vehicle is calculated with the trailer's frontal area figured in. Max tow figures are with a trailer that has minimal frontal area, such as a utility trailer loaded with firewood or building materials. Campers are altogether a different animal. Their lack of aerodynamics is where most of the vehicles labor is used, not so much the gravity weight. Especially up near highway speeds, the parachute effect is significant. A modest travel trailer's frontal area easily knocks 25-30% off the advertised tow rating, once at highway speeds. Big btu load on the running gear.

@JohnMarucci

4 жыл бұрын

Kevin, thanks for the thoughtful comments. Excellent points!

We tow with our 2012 Toyota Highlander with no problem - as long as you make sure it has the transmission cooler.

@JohnMarucci

6 жыл бұрын

I think the Highlander has plenty of towing capacity if I remember right. The 2014 4WD Pilot does have the transmission cooler and really worked pretty well for me with the 171. The newer Pilots (2016 and on) the transmission fluid cooler is an option on the AWD. Thanks for watching!

@stanleythomas8457

6 жыл бұрын

and that would have the V6 and not the 4cyl ?

@JohnMarucci

6 жыл бұрын

Yes, all the 2010 and later Honda Pilots have the V6 engine. I don't think any of the pre-2010s had 4cyc, but I'd have to confirm. Thanks for watching.

Thanks..should Transmission line cooler be added if towing a pop-up camper?

@JohnMarucci

3 жыл бұрын

My 2014 Pilot was the 4WD and had the transmission cooler from the factory. This may have changed with the 2016 and later model years. Better to have one than not.

Hi John, what kind of equalizing weight distribution hitch did you use with your pilot? Looking to upgrade our 2015 since I've noticed sagging when towing our 179.

@JohnMarucci

4 жыл бұрын

Paul, I used the Fastaway E2 with the Pilot and 171 but use the Blue Ox Sway Pro in my current set up with the 179. I really like it but it is not cheap. The Blue Ox is easier to use and makes a lot less noise. Here is link if you are interested... amzn.to/2yuO6JK.

Hi, Thanks for sharing your experience. We have a 2010 2wd pilot with 3500 tow limit. We wanted to get something like the r-pod 171 for us because of the weight. We are a small family of 2 adults and 2 small kids, 7 and 2. Would you recommend this configuration or would I need to go to one of these pop-up trailers to get lighter? Thank you!

@JohnMarucci

Жыл бұрын

Sorry for the bad news, but you probably will need to go with a lighter trailer given the non-4WD Pilot with the lower towing capacity at 3,500 lbs. Once you add any gear to the vehicle or RV, the tongue weight will likely be a problem for the 2WD Pilot. Choices are lighter trailer or more robust tow vehicle.

Thanks for great video. We don't have a Honda - but we have 2018 Ford Edge (3,500 lbs...) with the 3.5 VG... so it has lower towing capacity that you 2014 Honda Pilot. One dealer said I need to go much smaller for trailer (down to < 2,000 lbs) for my Ford Edge - they pointed me to trailer that was about 1,500 to 1,600 lbs. Another dealer that has the R-POD RP-179 said my Ford Edge would be OK if I didn't load up the trailer. Now I'm really skeptical.... I live in Canada so there are also Prolite (made in Canada) trailers available. They have several models just under 2,000 lbs and sounds like they would be better suited for my Ford Edge..... Any thoughts?

@JohnMarucci

4 жыл бұрын

I agree to go with the smaller trailer. The 179 will top 3,000 lbs. when you put any gear in it. You should be skeptical of a sales person wanting to sell a trailer, it is just too close for comfort in my book to pair the 179 and the Ford Edge as equipped. All the best!

What would be the max dry camper weight you would suggest for for a Honda Pilot with 4 people? Would 3100 lbs be too much?

@JohnMarucci

4 жыл бұрын

Laura, first thing to do is to know your Pilot’s towing capacity and subtract the weight of people and gear. Then look at the dry weight of the specific camper you are looking at and add the estimated weight of anything you would travel with in the trailer, including water in the tanks. Subtract the trailer weight with extras from the Pilot capacity minus people and gear. Make sure you have a comfortable buffer. Hope this helps.

My family has a 2017 Honda Pilot EXL could I pull two jet skis with a regular trailer plus two regular sized kayaks on the roof? And 6 people?

@JohnMarucci

5 жыл бұрын

Nicholas, you will need to research the towing capacity of your model Honda Pilot, then subtract the weight of all people and gear and kayaks within or on the Pilot. This amount is your real towing capacity. If the weight of what you are towing (jet skis & trailer) is less than this (and I prefer not more than 70% of towing capacity) you should be okay. Thanks!

I just picked up a R-pod 190 and have a 2015 Honda Pilot and am getting conflicting advice about using a weight distribution unit. Did you use one when towing your R-pod

@JohnMarucci

4 жыл бұрын

Tony, I did use an E2 WDH with my Pilot and it worked well. It was not what Honda recommended as the Pilot is a unibody frame. I erred on the side of safety while towing vs safety in terms of frame wear. All the best!

Thank you so much...We have a 2014 Honda Pilot and we do not travel with loaded water in the tanks. But, it seems that you must count the weight inside the Pilot also to determine the total weight you can pull....of course including the tow vehicle. Am I encountering this correct?.......TY....also we have a transmission cooler

@JohnMarucci

5 жыл бұрын

Susan, You do lose towing capacity as you add people and cargo to the Pilot. Here is the link to the 2014 Owners manual. Look on page 329 for details: techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/OM/AH/AK41414OM/enu/K41414OM.PDF Thanks for watching!

Great video. Curious how close to the 4500 limit have you been and what was the experience?

@JohnMarucci

2 жыл бұрын

Jeremy, I towed my R-Pod 171 with the Honda Pilot and it was just under 2,500 lbs. unloaded. The Pilot could do it fine, but it did rev quite a bit and struggled in the wind at times. I never towed closer to the 4,500 capacity than this. I ended up getting a Toyota Tundra as my main tow vehicle after this. Thanks!

@jeremylucas6771

2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnMarucci good to know. We have a 2013 AWD Pilot. I'm looking at converting a cargo trailer into a toy hauler. With dry weight, cargo, and motorcycle I may end up close to 3500#. I'll most likely upgrade to a more capable vehicle in a year or two. Most of the towing will be flat and under 500 miles. Sounds like I may be OK, but not great.

My friend has a 2006 pilot plan on towing a riverside retro 165 it has an aluminum frames dry weight is 2500 lbs. There is 3 generations of Honda pilots 2003-2008 2009-2015 and 2016-2022. Since he will be alone should be able to handle 3500 lbs.

@JohnMarucci

Жыл бұрын

Okay, thanks for sharing.

Hi John. Thanks for the videos. They are well put together and very insightful. I’m hoping you can help me with my current situation. I have a 2016 AWD Touring at 3500lbs towing capacity. I plan on getting the ATF cooler and tow kit to get it up towable up to 5000 lbs. I’m looking at these two options as a first purchase for my first travel trailer. Rpod 193 at 3,654lbs (UVW) and a Wolfpup 16Bhs at 3097 (UVW). We are a family of four with two small kids. And I’m hoping you can guide me with some information on which one trailer to choose OR just consider a new towing vehicle altogether. I’ve spoken to a few sales reps and I get the feeling that they are just selling me on a vehicle within their inventory. One rep said don’t do an RPOD because of poor quality and is trying to get me into a coachmen clipper. It just happens to also be the only inventory he has available. Another person told me to go with an RPOD over the wolf pup due to better quality. But it also happens to be the only item in his inventory. I’m hoping you can guide me to either choosing one of these options or just saying to get a truck. Side note, only one of these reps suggested a sway bar. I will be traveling mainly along the beaches of California and possibly to Yosemite.

@JohnMarucci

4 жыл бұрын

Jr, thanks for the detailed question. I have looked at both floor plans and stats for the R-Pod 193 and Wolfpup 16BHS. Here's what I think... The Wolfpup has a huge refrigerator, no slide to have to deal with, and larger counter space. The R-Pod will be larger inside with the slide out, has a convection/microwave oven, more storage space, and much larger holding tanks (which would come in handy with a family of 4). With the jackknife sofa and Murphy bed there would be more rainy-day space. Build quality is a wash since both are Forest River products. As far as towing, it will be tight given the Pilot with either trailer. You need to to subtract gear from the towing capacity of the Pilot and add considerable weight to the trailer for options, gear and battery/propane (UVW is brochure weight, not the actual trailer weight listed on the trailer). Basically, the 193 will give you more room, but I don't think would be a great towing experience. If you go with a truck, it can future-proof your trailer as your kids grow up - so if you want to get something larger, you would already own the truck. Either way, you would want some sort of sway control or a weight distribution hitch. Hope this helps.

@jrmuyot

4 жыл бұрын

@@JohnMarucci Hi John. Thanks for the help. After looking into it a bit more and having some feedback from a friend who recently got a 193. That option might not be a good fit for me. The family and I are wanting to stay within the Honda Pilot. It's about 4 years old now and barely has 32k miles on it since I work from home. All things considered, it looks like something slightly smaller and lighter might be in the cards for us. After doing some more research, it looks like we might be leaning towards the GeoPro 19BH. My understanding is that I might have to budget a bit more to get into this TT, but it's not a big stretch. Length is 20ft, UVW is 3,088. With 2 LP propane tanks, 2 batteries, and some gear. I would clock in the cargo weight around 700 ( includes some fresh water). However, I don't plan on dry camping anytime soon. Towing this around even at 3700lbs would be at 75% of the max towing capabilities. What do you think of the geopro?

@JohnMarucci

4 жыл бұрын

@@jrmuyot I think the GeoPro 19BH is a possibility for you. The small Dometic fridge would be a drawback, but not too difficult to deal with as you can always get an external small freezer to bring if needed (like the 1.1 cu ft Edgestar I use). If you don't plan to dry camp, you can get water when you arrive at campsites and forgo toting fresh water, thus lowering the trailer weight when towing. If you stick to state or private parks with electrical hook ups, the extra battery and propane aren't really necessary, but they are still nice to have. By the way, I have a live KZread show every other Saturday morning at 11 a.m. Eastern. This Saturday 6/6/20 we will talk specifically about towing. Thanks!

@jrmuyot

4 жыл бұрын

@@JohnMarucci Thanks! I'll look out for the video.

@zakshow4665

3 жыл бұрын

John Marucci j

Do you know if you had a fan or something to keep your transmission cool when towing? We are looking for a tow vehicle we have an AFrame and using an Xterra but looking for something else now that our son gets the Xterra to drive (driving teenager).. it should be 5,000 or more but even the Kia Sorenta too package is 5,000 lbs but a dealer told us that he wouldn’t recommend going by that number because the transmission on the kia’s can’t take that & 5,000 lb even though they state they do. We don’t know what to believe ..

@JohnMarucci

5 жыл бұрын

A C, the 2014 Honda Pilot 4WD (4,500 lb. towing capacity) came factory equipped with the heavy-duty radiator with dual 160 watt fans, heavy-duty power steering fluid cooler and heavy-duty automatic transmission fluid (ATF) cooler. This was common factory specs for the 4WD Pilot model years from 2009 to 2015 when that model ceased production. The newer AWD Pilots (2016 or later) do not come factory equipped with this heavy-duty equipment, but need the ATF cooler and towing package added on from the dealer to achieve the full 5,000 lb. towing capacity. You need to research the Kia similarly to see what is standard equipment and what needs to be added to achieve full towing capacity.

Great video! Are these pilots even reliable? I have been thinking about buying one but I see a lot of complaints about their VCM and oil consumption? Thanks!

@JohnMarucci

2 жыл бұрын

My 2014 was stellar. No issues at all for seven years. Thanks!

@ishmo3269

2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnMarucci thanks!

I’m curious. What research did you find that convinced you WDH was ok for the older generation Pilot? I’m nervous to go against Honda’s recommendation. But Camping World looked at me with crazy eyes when I suggested installing sway bars only. 🙄

@JohnMarucci

5 жыл бұрын

Ed, I chose what I believe was the lesser of two risks: The first is that of personal safety. With the short wheelbase and unibody construction of the Pilot, I was concerned about its ability to tow the R-Pod safely without sway issues. The opposite risk is that of damaging the Pilot by using a WDH. I chose to avoid what I believe was the greater risk. That being said, I towed the lightest R-Pod made (171), only for shorter distances (less than 300 miles), and only for one season. In every other way, I fully followed manufacturers recommendation for weights and equipment. Even with the WDH, I only thought the towing experience with the Pilot and 171 was a C+ at best and sometimes not that good. Thus, my upgrade to the Tundra. Thanks!

@g.davidlabatt531

5 жыл бұрын

@@JohnMarucci Hey John, Love your videos... So I have a Honda 2012 Pilot and will be getting a R-Pod this summer. I was very concerned with all of the issues you addressed and those of Ed's as well. After calling Honda; our RV shop; then Honda again I found the reason why they do not recommend the WDH for these older Pilots: it's the VSA system. Vehicle Stability Assist system, as was explained to me by a Honda tech, works on the back axle. As you round a corner the on board computer analyzes the "roll" of the Pilot and reduces/brakes one of the back wheels, while it accelerates the other wheel to compensate for the roll. If you use a WDH system, it ties the trailer more to the Pilots chassis making them more one unit. The VSA system then becomes "confused" while analyzing the cars motion and attempts to compensate for roll that is not there. Constant abuse of this system apparently harms the on board electronics causing failures. So... locking in the trailer to the Pilot with a WHD = bad for the on board computer system leading to potential failure.

@g.davidlabatt531

5 жыл бұрын

SOLUTION to the issue I described - Turn of the VSA system while towing. You can have the WDH hitched up and working without the computer compensation. HOWEVER, each time you turn the Pilot off, the system resets back to VSA on, so you will have to turn it off every time you tow with a WDH system. The button is located somewhere on your dash. You know, the button you have always ignored and never understood what it does...

I'm wondering about the necessity of a WDH. We had a Ford Explorer when we bought our '14 R-Pod, 178. The R-Pod dealer in Ohio installed the WDH and, living in Colorado, we had no issues whatsoever pulling the Pod over mountain and over dale. I just figured it was a given to have a WDH bar. Fast forward to now, spring of '19, and we replaced the Explorer with a 2019 VW Atlas 4 Motion, factory installed hitch, 5K towing capacity. Reviewing the manual, come to find out VW stresses NOT to use a WDH bar. After inquiring at three different VW dealerships, reading VW forums and KZread vids on WDH bars, it seems (and I'm stressing "seems") that it is not necessary if pulling less than 5,000 lbs. Moreover, the VW manual (as the 2014 Honda Pilot manual did) avers that it would be dangerous. Goes against my instincts; I have yet to tow our R-Pod, but I'm sure I'll find out. So, just throwing that out for rumination and in the event someone is considering a VW Atlas. Lastly, a comment regarding towing weight. When buying our R-Pod, a Denver R-Pod dealership here in Colorado suggested reducing the tow vehicle's towing capacity by 20% when considering what RV you will be towing - - - it's the mountains. In any event, the Explorer handled the R-Pod well in the mountains and I'm sure the Atlas will too, plus it has a greater torque than the Explorer does. But, no WDH - - - I’ll remain unsure for the time being.

@JohnMarucci

5 жыл бұрын

Dennis, it's really your call on the WDH. I don't like the floating feeling on the steering without one. Your TV may not have this issue without the WDH and proper level on the trailer, so you'll have to check that out. If you check the R-Pod Facebook group or owners forum, you may find others who tow with your VW and can speak from first-hand experience. Thanks and all the best!

@g.davidlabatt531

5 жыл бұрын

Dennis, I don't know for sure, but this sounds EXACTLY like the issue I explored and resolved. Please read my reply to Ed Gadberry & John above.

@denniszerlan7214

5 жыл бұрын

@@g.davidlabatt531 Thanks for the suggestion! Not sure at this moment what VW might call their VSA system. Regardless, it is something I will investigate having just returned from a 1000 mile round trip to Abiquiu, NM. Incidentally, I had no problem towing without the WDH, which admittedly surprised me. Outgoing, we took I-25 south to Walsenburg, CO, for the first 300 miles of the trip. I only mention this because it generally gets windy south of Pueblo and, of course, there are quite a few semis the entire 300 miles to Walsenburg. The remainder of the trip to Abiquiu was on two-lane highways, returning on two-lanes by a different route. Add to that, I had not yet installed a stabilizer. The route also included mountain passes ranging from 9400+ feet to 10,200+ feet. All in all, I had no problems (including the "floating feeling" that John mentions) without a WDH or a stabilizer. As I noted, I was surprised to say the least. On our trip to the Tetons 2 years ago with the Explorer and WDH, I definitely noticed the "floating feeling," even with the WDH, but the winds were boarding on ferocious and a large part of the trip was on the interstate . . . and, hey, it was Wyoming which has a reputation for winds. I have no doubt that trip with the VW sans the WDH would not have been any better. All that said, I will continue working on a WDH for the VW and will investigate further your suggestion G. David. Again, thank you for the lead! [On an unrelated note, I have to say that the VW Atlas pulled our R-Pod better than the Explorer. Both have near the same horsepower, but the VW has more torque, which I'm guessing made the difference. And, I got better gas mileage with the VW!]

Would a 2016 honda pilot awd be good to tow a couple of quads/dirt birts on a small utility trailer?

@JohnMarucci

5 жыл бұрын

The newer AWD Pilots should be able to tow 5,000 lbs with the tow package. If your trailer, quad and bikes are under this limit, you should be okay. You also need to subtract the weight of gear and people in the Pilot from the 5,000 lb. limit. All the best and thanks for watching!

@chrisginoc

5 жыл бұрын

@@JohnMarucci Thanks! Trying to kill two birds with one stone. Wife wants to upgrade from crv to a pilot since we are expecting our 2nd child and happy wife happy life.

John I have a 2009 Silverado and have been told I do not need a weight stabilizer or sway bar. I see that you have a Tundra and use the Blue Ox system. What is your advise and what are the advantages. Note: we would like to travel with our Rpod 179 in to the mountainous area of New Mexico. We live in Texas. ALSO what tire pressure do you try to maintain? Hot/Cold? Thanks, Bob

@JohnMarucci

6 жыл бұрын

Bob, while it may be debatable that a full-size truck needs a weight distribution hitch (WDH) with a trailer as light as an R-Pod, my take (and experience) is that the R-Pod can get moved by the wind at times and if the tongue is weighed down (like when traveling with a full fresh water tank), it can push the bed of the truck down and the front of the truck up. The WDH evens the weight of the trailer and truck out to counter-balance this. The Blue OX also has anti-sway built in to control sway. The E2 WDH will work similarly and has solid bars vs the chains of the Blue Ox. I have been very happy with the Blue Ox the past 16 months and can recommend it. If you want to see Blue Ox, see my video on the Tough Lot Set Up here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/gYVk19aen7KnqbQ.html On the tire pressure, I maintain the recommended 65psi cold pressure for the 2017 179. I do use a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) that gives me regular feedback as to tire pressure and tire temperature. I also highly recommend this. I talk about the EEZ TPMS in the 5 Items for Long Trips: kzread.info/dash/bejne/Yod8pLGuerGenZM.html Thanks for watching!

@bobcausey

6 жыл бұрын

John Marucci John, thank you. I the Blue Ox are on my list. Can you tell me once again what size I need to order? Do you still have the stock tires? My wife and I enjoy your videos and have been watching them since we bought our 179 last October. Bob

@JohnMarucci

6 жыл бұрын

Hey Bob, here is the link to the Blue Ox I purchased: amzn.to/2lEIanH . Many local dealers also sell them and will install them for you, which is what I did when purchasing my unit. I do still have the stock 2017 15" tires that came with the R-Pod. In 2017 they increased the wheel size to 15" and the rating of the tires to handle higher speeds (75 mph). Mind you I drive at 60 mph on the highways. I've gone almost 6,000 miles with no issues. I do use the EEZ Tire Pressure Monitor System (amzn.to/2MWOeEe) on the tires to keep an eye on psi and temp, but so far no issues. I may replace them after this season or 10,000 miles whichever comes first. Thanks again for watching!

Can the 2021 Honda Pilot Black Edition tow the Geo Pro 15TB safely???

@JohnMarucci

3 жыл бұрын

Any newer AWD Pilot should be able to tow 5,000lbs. As mentioned in the video, you will want some buffer between maximum towing capacity of the Pilot and the Geo Pro.

Hello John, thank you for video.I placed an order for a Casita Spirit Deluxe whose dry weight of 2450 lbs approx plus with few add-on's including anderson hitch (will come to know the exact dry weight at the time of delivery). Is my Honda Passport is still good(towing capacity 3500 lbs), with two adults (including myself) and two small kids in the back?

@JohnMarucci

3 жыл бұрын

You need to add the weight of any items that you will put in the Casita to get the real trailer weight, and subtract the weight of any gear and items (including the weight of more than two people) in the Honda from its towing capacity. The bigger the difference the better. Generally you need to be at least 80% to be safe. Personally, I'd use at least a Pilot with the 4,500-5,000 lbs. capacity. Thanks!

@phanivasabattula7460

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnMarucci Do we need to add the tongue weight as well?

@JohnMarucci

3 жыл бұрын

The unloaded weight of the trailer does not include any items you would put on the tongue, such as battery or propane tank. So you do need to add the weight of these. For example, if the dry weight is 2450, but you put in 200 lbs of kitchen, bath, bedding, food and storage items, then your trailer weight is now 2650 lbs. if you add a battery and full propane you add another close to 100 lbs. So, you can see how the trailer weight can creep up. Not at all adding any fresh water to the tanks (if you fill up before you travel). Water weighs 8.33 lbs. per gallon so you likely are better filling up at your destination if at all possible. If you then subtract from your towing capacity at all, you are cutting it very close indeed. Better to err on the side of caution and use a vehicle with more towing capacity in my view. Thanks!

@phanivasabattula7460

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnMarucci Got it. Thank you John

Hi John, Just purchased our first camper! A 2016 RPOD 179. I tow with a 2013 Toyota 4runner. Tow capacity of 5,000 lbs and a tongue wt. capacity of 500 lbs. The RPOD was really compressing the rear end of the Toyota on our first trip a week ago. I went and had the tongue wt. weighed at an RV service shop here in Boulder, CO. Scale read 860 lbs!!!! ALL water tanks were drained. Perhaps 150 lbs. inside the RPOD, mostly in back of the axle in the kitchen cabinets. The RPOD is customized with a tray rack on the front of the trailer which holds the spare tire and there are 2 batteries down below on the frame of the trailer. In the rear is a tow hitch bolted to the frame with a 2" receiver to hang a bike rack off the back of the RPOD. My question is.. how is it possible my RPOD tongue wt. is 860 LBS?! My understanding is that I should be about 10% of the gross RPOD wt. at about 280 lbs. tongue wt. I plan on going to an RPOD sales/service center in Longmont, CO to have is weighed again and to talk with them. Perhaps the scale was quite wrong as it looked to be 40 years old. (I took pictures) and did not see a certificate of inspection of the scale. But there is no doubt the Toyota is getting quite compressed. I am investigating installing a Equalizer hitch as well. What do you think?

@JohnMarucci

4 жыл бұрын

Steven, The 860 lbs. tongue weight seems high. Here is what is in front of the axle in the 179: Black tank (is it really cleared out of matter, some older ones are not), fresh water tank (sounds like you are good), heater (under the bed), hot water tank (is this empty?), underbelly storage (is this clear?), front tongue (battery weight, propane tank(s), power tongue jack). I can't recall if the black tank on the 2016 has a black tank flush. If so, you may want to really take time and flush the black tank at the nearest dump station. Prior owners may have not done this well or at all, meaning you could have significant dry "matter" in there. I would strongly recommend a weight distribution hitch for your set up. It will move the weight off the back axle of your 4Runner and even out the ride, taking away any floating feel when steering. I have had both an Equalizer WDH and a Blue Ox. Either will should do the job. Make sure you have it installed correctly by someone who has done these before. Safety first. All the best!

Thanks so much for this insightful information on towing an RPod. I'm considering the purchase of an RPod, with sights set on the Rpod 179 for many reasons. However, concerned the 179 model goes slightly beyond an 'ultralite' category of travel trailer. With your experience, how well do you think a vehicle with a tow capacity of 4400 lbs would do towing an RPod 179?

@JohnMarucci

4 жыл бұрын

4,400 lbs would be a bit too light for my liking. Once you put gear in the vehicle and any weight in the 179, you are looking a very thin margin.

@joeortlieb9030

4 жыл бұрын

John Marucci we have a2021 Jeep latitude 6 cylinder with 4500 lb heavy duty hitch. Good enough for a rpod 179?

I am planning to tow a loaded uhaul 5x8 trailer with 2 adults and 2 kids (with carseats). I am towing for the first time. Could you please help with below questions. I have 2019 pilot touring awd. Planning to drive from California to Georgia. I have a hitch, harness, planning to add transmission cooler. What else do i need to add to tow safely with my family. Can you Please suggest? Thanks in advance

@JohnMarucci

3 жыл бұрын

I think the main thing is to keep your trailer weight below towing capacity and try to load the trailer evenly and hook up so the trailer sits level with the Honda Pilot. As far as other safety tips, make sure your tire pressures are correct and keep your speed down when towing. Ask your Uhaul dealer what speed is recommended to tow the trailer you are renting. Thanks!

Hey man new here , My pilot is 2011 and I'm.lookong at possibly buying a 1979 camper 24 foot. Is this possible or am I nuts lol our kids are toddlers so not much weight there . Really am unable to find much info and the person selling has no idea . 😕 so here I am lol Any knowledge of if I can tow it safely ?

@JohnMarucci

3 жыл бұрын

Yousef, most trailers should have a sticker somewhere on the body that shows the unloaded weight. It may be inside the door on the door frame. You really do need to know the basic unloaded weight of the trailer so you can tow within your tow vehicles tolerances. Hopefully you can find this weight sticker somewhere. If not, I would find the exact make and model and search online for the weight and even look for a Facebook group for the make and model and ask around. You may be surprised that this info is online somewhere. Thanks!

I have a jeep Cherokee trail hawk with the tow package rated at 4500 and I would like to get an rpod 189 what do you think

@JohnMarucci

4 жыл бұрын

Paulo, 4500 lbs. isn't much to work with. As mentioned in the video, you will need to reduce your towing capacity by the weight of passengers and any gear in the Jeep. You will also need to take the base weight on the R-Pod 189, which will be close to 3,000 lbs. and add any weight for gear and water (if you decided to carry water in your fresh tank when traveling). There is also likely the need for a weight distributing hitch for leveling and anti-sway. I towed a 171 with the Pilot and that was much lighter than a 189 and my impression was that it wasn't a great experience. This is why I upgraded to a truck. It's your call, but I personally would look at a lighter trailer or a bigger tow vehicle. Thanks!

@paulob5153

4 жыл бұрын

@@JohnMarucci thanks for the reply ...it is just for the two of us.

I do have a Honda Pilot and plan on getting a small RV under 3,000 pounds. In the mountains will my Pilot do okay IF I do not load it with H2O or food. I plan on going to the grocery store in the area I am in and only getting what I need. I will be by myself with my dog so there will not be much weight to pull except for the RV itself. I am concerned about the strain going up hills. any thoughts?

@JohnMarucci

5 жыл бұрын

Karen, it really depends on your model and year Pilot and the loaded weight of the trailer you plan on purchasing. I went with the lightest R-Pod possible with the model 171, which comes in just under 2,500 lbs unloaded. I had a 2014 4WD Pilot with transmission cooler and a weight distribution hitch and still I can only really give the Pilot a C to C- rating while towing. I didn't feel at all comfortable towing in higher wind conditions, and the Pilot regularly down-shifted and revved the engine, even on smaller hills. Like I mentioned in the video, I am a huge Honda fan and a fan of the Pilot, but it is not the best tow vehicle due to the unibody frame and shorter wheel base. This (and wanting something larger than a 171) was part of the reason for upgrading to the Toyota Tundra Pickup Truck, so I would have a better towing experience and so I could get a larger trailer. That said, the newer Honda Pilots, 2016 and on, can tow more than my 2014 did, but you do need the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) model and have your dealer add the tow package. I personally would also use a weight distribution hitch with the Pilot even though the model years 2015 and older don't recommend it. To me trailer sway is more of a risk than risk to the unibody frame by using a WDH. I know this is a lot to take in, but you do need to understand this for your (and your dog's) safety. Hopefully this helps. Thanks for watching and for the question!

@karenvancehammond1583

5 жыл бұрын

I have a 2004 Honda Pilot. When I got it two years ago it had 50 thousand miles on it. Now, it has 90 thousand. I went to look at the RPODS and the sales man said I was way under the towing capacity which is 4500 if it is not loaded down. However, I am hesitant to pull anything with it due to the age of the motor and millage. Any thoughts friends??? Help would be appreciated.

We just bought a 2018 R Pod 172 (dry weight 2600, 3243). Looking for the best used vehicle to tow with but also be our family car, hoping to get lots of use out of the Rpod but we we work full time etc.) We also live in the PNW so driving in mountains is the norm (not off roading but definitely mtn passes in WA, OR, MT). We love Honda's so like the idea of the Pilot but don't want to buy something not suitable for towing. Don't consider ourselves to be truck people, so hoping we can stay with a realiable, non gas guzzling, SUV. Any suggestions? Also do we really need to avoid cars with CVT & how about hybrids? Thanks!

@JohnMarucci

11 ай бұрын

A 4WD Honda Pilot might work given the limited weight of the trailer. Also, some of the older Toyota RAV 4 models had significant towing capabilities. Not sure good mileage is all that doable with any tow vehicle.

@annettemueller5786

11 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! & for your videos@@JohnMarucci

I have 2009 pilot towing my 1st rv 21 ft 3000 pounds. Flat long island. Just 10 miles distance to camoground is very concerning and doesnt feel good at all. My car is empty my rv has maybe 200 pounds of stuff. But slightest bump my rv is bouncing around and slightest increase in uphill it struggles. Im looking for tahoe lrobably next as im not pickup giu i got thousand items in my suv uncluding a bed for naps lol

@JohnMarucci

10 ай бұрын

Is your Pilot a 4WD?

@joelincolnlincoln6315

10 ай бұрын

@@JohnMarucci yes. In fact I leave a 2008 pilot with 2wd in San diego, my 1st 2wd suv, that thing slides all over the road if someone turns their sprinkler on lol I've rolled backwards on hills out of control with new tires. I dont know how anyone buys 2wd suv after these expierences can't wait to sell that one. My 2009 pilot has never slid even in snow storms

I have a 2014 F150 but it's with the standard 3.7L engine (not the Ecoboost). The Rpod model we have our eye on is the176T. Think I would be OK with that?

@JohnMarucci

5 жыл бұрын

From a very quick Google search, the lowest 2014 F-150 can tow 5,500 lbs. The R-Pod 176 should be under 3,000 lbs, without cargo and water. I would think you would be okay, although you may consider a weight distribution hitch. If the truck doesn't have a brake controller, you will need this as well. Please confirm all this information from your own research before proceeding. Thanks!

@9Packin

5 жыл бұрын

John Marucci ok thanks for the reply, great video !! 👍

Supwr video review - thank you! We are just about to purchase a Jayco 21 foot travel trailer that weighs in at 2950 pounds. Our tow vehicle is a 2019 AWD Pilot, with the tow package. We'll have 2 adults in the car and two young teens. RV dealer wants to install a new 500 poind hitch receiver that can handle the increased tongue weight and a Blue Ox Weight distribution hitch. Dealer indicates we'll be fine, but I'm concerned we could be exceeding the Pilot's tow capacity of 5,000 pounds. We will be careful as possible in terms the weight in the trailer and Pilot but I'm curious as to your thoughts and ideas. Thank you!

@JohnMarucci

4 жыл бұрын

Robert, you'll need to do the math and take the 5,000 lbs. towing capacity of the AWD Pilot and reduce this by passenger and estimated gear weight. This net towing capacity is what you would subtract the weight of the trailer, hitch and your estimate of any gear/supplies in the trailer. With people and gear, for example, you may only have 4,300 to 4,500 lbs net towing capacity and with hitch, propane, battery and trailer supplies (kitchen supplies, etc.) you may be carrying 3,400 to 3,600 lbs. This would leave more like 1,000 lbs buffer, which is doable, but may not be optimal. You may want to forgo adding water to the tanks until you arrive at your campsite, and make sure you dump tanks before hitting the road out of the campsite. It is likely doable, but for this very reason I upgraded to a Tundra 1/2 ton truck to not have to worry about it. All the best!

@mrard1

3 жыл бұрын

New to the channel and also to worrying about tow and tongue capacities so pardon my ignorance. I own a 2018 AWD Pilot. The Honda manual says the AWD 9-speed can tow up to 5k pounds. It doesn’t say I need a Automatic Transmission Cooler (ATC)...yet the dealership and forums I visited said I do. The way I understand the manual is the 2WD 6-speed needs the ATC if I want to boost from 3.5k up to 5k pounds. What say you? Did you install the ATC?

Personally have I never considered Honda Pilot as a Tow vehicle unless its a utility trailer with a mower on it. My view on the pilot is thats its a People mover . I have had many of 16 hour road trips in my 2010 pilot 188k miles on it it barely get 17 mpg on Highway with cargo basket on hitch and cargo bag on top and 8 passengers. Nice to know the information but would rather pull a trailer with a Yukon or Tohoe I just hate their 3rd rows.

@JohnMarucci

Жыл бұрын

The Pilot 4WD with the trans cooler can tow, but isn't a great experience. I changed to a Tundra in 2017 and have never looked back at an SUV since.

I have a 13 Honda Pilot and had my eyes set on the 190 😭😭😭😭😭

@JohnMarucci

3 жыл бұрын

Just make sure you are comfortable towing that much with the Pilot. Some people do it, I wasn’t as happy towing my 171 with my Pilot, so I went for a truck. All the best!

I drive an '07 Honda Ridgeline, which has been referred to as a Honda Pilot "with a major birth defect". It is, in my opinion, quite underpowered and the fuel mileage is dreadful: 12-13 mpg around town with just me driving...and no, I am not overweight. The tow rating for it is 5000 pounds, and I cannot imagine trying to tow a R Pod with such an under powered truck, and I suspect I the fuel mileage would be awful. That being said, it is a reliable mid-sized truck if one wishes to remain a stranger to the concept of acceleration.

@JohnMarucci

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great critique of the Ridgeline. Truly articulate and great sarcasm employed!

@mikemartineau9021

3 жыл бұрын

I have a 2018 Honda Pilot touring AWD. Parts for the wiring harness and hitch ( assuming you want OEM) is close to $550. If you want more than the 3500 capacity the AWD model supports and move it up to the 5k capacity you need the cooler Kit which is $375 if you go OEM. That’s close to 1K in in parts and if you don’t do it your self your up to another 1K if you have dealer install it.