I have a 2006 Honda Pilot with a Towing Package- I am looking to tow a boat that is 4800 lbs.?

Question

I just purchased a new boat, and the darn thing is over the 4500 lbs that Honda advises as the maximum for the Pilot to tow. The boat's dry weight is 4800 lbs, so with gas and gear, its going to be pushing over 5000lbs. My question is, I'm only towing the boat 2-3 times a year, and for very short distances (the boat is kept docked most of the year and only pulled out for cleaning and winter storage). Am I going to do major damage to the SUV by doing this, or will I be ok? I know its not good to do for long drives, but for 2-5 miles, will it do any major damage to the transmission?

Answer 1

I wouldn't advise it, you will over Tax your engine and Transmission with this weight, second I don't think your Honda has enough gettyup and go to pull the boat up a ramp even empty of all Possible Item,s

and putting the boat back in the water with the Honda?

you will need very good Insurance and lot,s of towel,s because it will get very wet very fast.

best thing to do is next time buy a real car.

Sorry

Answer 2

Would it be possible to upgrade the vehicle or have access to a class three hitch and pick-up? I would waste effort, time, money and HEART-ACHE.

Every time you launch and land this boat, your mind will race with the "what if..." nonsense. Life is too short, find a nice buddy with a pickup you can borrow 2-3 times a season, etc...

My main concern would be landing the boat, after it sitting in the water it will gain water weight and add up your equipment, passengers, fuel, tools, water, anchor, goodies, etc...might be too much  for your honda to pull UP the ramp, some ramps are more steep than others--you wanna be that one guy tying up launch-ramp traffic because of a bad judgment call? Part of boating is responsible boating-lets all practice good judgment.

Answer 3

Think about this: how are you ever going to get that big boat up the ramp with your Pilot?

And, will you void your warranty by towing above the weight limit?

Additionally, when that big boat starts moving around behind you, won't it start tossing your Honda around like it isn't even there?

Solution in my mind: if you are towing short distances two or three times a year, rent or borrow a truck that is meant to tow this weight. If you offer rides on the boat, with a cocktail or two,  you will be amazed how many people will volunteer to tow it for you.

Answer 4

are you going to pull the boat out of the water with it?

i'd not be afraid to just pull it a few miles if not. why not help by removing all extra gear and having the tank near empty.

maybe remove the battery or batteries because they are 50-100 lbs each. use lower gears and take it it out of overdrive if you can. have the marina launch it for you

Answer 5

I would not do it under any circumstances. Buy an old 3/4 ton pickup to pull it around locally.

Answer 6

not a good idea, if it was a utility trailer, and you were towing on flat land it may be OK. but you will have to pull it up a steep wet ramp, and with gear, a trailer, and some water in the blige, you will be way over the limit. reminds me of a day coming to the ramp when there was a honda trying to get a boat out, it was there when I got there, and still stuck on the ramp when I left. also a good way to take your car for a swim. not a good idea, if you have a boat that heavy, you need to look at a real truck, at least a 1/2 ton model if not a 3/4 ton.

Answer 7

Answer is NO!!!!  This towing package, if I am correct, is a "category 1" for up to 1,500 pounds.  You will need at least a "category 3" or more.  You will also experience difficulties with the 6 cylinder engine and rear end on the Honda Pilot.  They offer a "category 1" hitch for a reason, to tow small trailers and install bicycle carriers.  The Honda Pilot is not designed to tow a 4,500 pound boat with trailer and gas.

Boat Weight 4,500

Trailer 850 to 1100

Pr Gallon of Gas 7pounds each

Plus your equipment, coolers, etc.

Actual towing weight could be 5,600 pounds (+/-) with gas.  You will ruin a good vehicle and warranty will not cover.

Find a friend or hire a tow service for the few times you will need a tow.  You will burn up your engine and rear end pulling out off the boat ramp and going up hills on the road.