Can my 2007 honda pilot 2wd tow a fishing boat?

Question

I have a 2007 honda pilot 2wd and looking forward to buying a fishing boat, but I dont know how many lbs. the boat and trailer has to be under? And do I need the whole towing package or not for a 30 minutes flate road drive to the lake?

Answer 1

It all depends on the weight of the boat. Check your owners manual. It should have the towing capacities in there. If not check w/ your Honda dealer.

Answer 2

it,s not the flat road that hurts the towing capability, it,s the pull up the boat ramp that will make the difference.

your owners manual should have a towing section in it, see what it say,s

Answer 3

The specs state 3500 lbs. for a 2wd

Answer 4

Sure, not a huge boat but a normal small to medium boat will be fine.

For instance I have an aluminum 16 foot boat that weighs less than 1500 pounds, make sure you include the weight of the trailer when calculating your capacity.

Something you might want to do is have a transmission cooler installed, that will greatly increase the longevity of your transmission by keeping the fluid at a normal operating temperature.

Another safety item would be good mirrors, if you have tiny little mirrors think about getting some large enough to be safe.

There are mirrors that do not require drilling holes in your vehicle, see any boat place or your dealer.

Your biggest challenge will be pulling the boat out of the water on a wet slippery ramp, make sure you have good tires.

Good luck and have fun !

Answer 5

Always refer to your owners manual.  Extremely important, as well, is the "category" of "hitch" installed.  Traditionally Honda, with tow package, installs a "category I", up to 1500 pounds.  If the manual indicates up to 3500 pounds this requires a "category 3" tow package.  Always have the tow package professionally installed.

Keep in mind when looking for a boat that your Pilot can tow acording to manual specs.  Brochures on boats indicate weight of boat only.  Fishing boats will offer outboard motors with different horsepower and weights.  The trailer weight must be added also.  You will want to fill your tanks before you get to the water and this will add approx. 7 pounds per gallon (actually 6.2 per).

A weight "check list":  Weight of boat + motor + trailer + fuel.  I typically add another 100 to 300 for coolers, gas tanks and other gear.

DO NOT GO OVER RECOMMENDED WEIGHT indicated by Honda.  If you do you will burn up the engine and/or transmission.  The "rear end" is not capable of weight over the limit as well and you may "rip" this apart.

I sold a lot of boats over the years.  I learned to find out vehicles that customers would be using and 50% + did not have adequate towing capabilities.  Warranties on your vehicle will not cover damage due to towing and service centers know immediately if this is the case.  Honda Pilots are in no way designed for heavy towing and when shopping for a fishing boat do not go too heavy with all weights I have indicated factored in.

Enjoy your boat and fishing.  Remember, "a bad day fishing is better than a good day at work".

Answer 6

yes it can