Plan on towing my S2000 with the Pilot during vacation! Thoughts?
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Plan on towing my S2000 with the Pilot during vacation! Thoughts?
I posted this on the honda-pilot.org site to get an idea of what folks thought and if there were any precautions for me to consider. Here's the post:
The thread got a bunch of views but no real responses, until someone posted this:
So, is this true? I know lots of folks who have towed the S2000 with a dolly. Thoughts on this please?
From honda-pilot.org
My wife and I are taking a long vacation that will have us traveling from the coast of North Carolina into the mountains of Tennessee. Then we'll be heading into Atlanta, Orlando and Miami.
I have an S2000 event in Tennessee and this is why we want to bring the S2000. Also, because we have such a great time in the S! However, my back is screaming NO on driving the S2000 during the entire trip.
So, here comes the question. I want to tow the S2000 (using a dolly) during the entire trip. The S2000 weighs about 2800 lbs.
My wife and I are taking a long vacation that will have us traveling from the coast of North Carolina into the mountains of Tennessee. Then we'll be heading into Atlanta, Orlando and Miami.
I have an S2000 event in Tennessee and this is why we want to bring the S2000. Also, because we have such a great time in the S! However, my back is screaming NO on driving the S2000 during the entire trip.
So, here comes the question. I want to tow the S2000 (using a dolly) during the entire trip. The S2000 weighs about 2800 lbs.
From honda-pilot.org
NO, NO, NO....do not tow an S2000 ona dolly, only way to tow one is flat on a trailer. Info is in your owners manual, has to do with the rear diff. good luck.
Phil
NO, NO, NO....do not tow an S2000 ona dolly, only way to tow one is flat on a trailer. Info is in your owners manual, has to do with the rear diff. good luck.
Phil
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Plano
I was under the impression that nothing should be dolly towed unless you can disconnnect the axle or put the axles in a neutral position. My father owns a mechanics business, I will ask him and let you know if that is correct
Joined: May 2001
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From: Nowhere
I'd avoid a dolly as well.
A good flatbed (preferably with electric brakes) is the best way to go in your situation. Of course, this would require your Pilot to have a 7 pin trailer plug and an electric brake controller. If you put it on a brake-less trailer, just remember that when you see those 4% grade signs (and steeper), that they also apply to you now.
A good flatbed (preferably with electric brakes) is the best way to go in your situation. Of course, this would require your Pilot to have a 7 pin trailer plug and an electric brake controller. If you put it on a brake-less trailer, just remember that when you see those 4% grade signs (and steeper), that they also apply to you now.
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From: Mish-she-gan
The Helms manual and Owners manual say "Flat-bed" is the only recommended way to transport the S2000. Also, I was wondering about the towing capacity of the Pilot. I know the Pilot is a very light vehical, like 900 lbs. less than the Explorer - as I recall. Your in some very hilly country there. Best you do more research.
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From: Chicago
Do not dolly the S2000.
Also, I would be worried about trailering the S2000 (2800lbs) plus a trailer (2000lbs) with the Pilot in any sort of hilly area - much less mountains.
I'd let you borrow my truck/trailer but I'm a bit far!
Also, I would be worried about trailering the S2000 (2800lbs) plus a trailer (2000lbs) with the Pilot in any sort of hilly area - much less mountains.
I'd let you borrow my truck/trailer but I'm a bit far!
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,303
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From: Calgary
Hey there,
Foremost, for godsake do not use a dolly. While I'm not sure whether or not the owners manual mentions it, it doesn't do wonders for the differential. In addition, think of all the rocks and other road debris that will be sprayed onto the S from the rear wheels of the Pilot, which as the tow vehicle will be less than 5-7 feet away from the end of the S2000.
Secondly, I'm questioning the Pilot's capacity. I recently purchased a Toyota Tundra V8 and since, have been looking into purchasing a trailer/fifth wheel of some sort. While I haven't learned all that much, I will share what I know. The Pilot, with the "towing package" can tow 4500lbs with premium gasoline. That's a very liberal estimate in my opinion, since with regular gas and without the tow package, the rig is only capable of 3500lbs. If the S2000 weighs in at 2800, and the trailer another 1000-1500lbs, you are looking at pretty much the maximum capacity of the Pilot. Lets not also forget the Pilot weighs 4444lbs dry, and with cargo etc. has a GVWR of 5950lbs to account for passengers and cargo. A rule of thumb is to limit your towing load to 75% of GVWR, thus maximizing comfort, fuel economy and most of all safety. A GVWR of 5950 yields a max tow capacity hence, of about 4400LBS.
All being said, you COULD theoretically tow the S behind the Pilot, but is it something that I would do? Probably not. Not sure how such a "heavy" load would fare on the rear suspension. Might need some "helper" springs to see you through. Someone mentioned your trip includes a lot of hills. I towed a 5000lb trailer through the Rocky mountains with my V8 Tundra and lets just say, thats the most I would tow without sweating bullets the entire trip. The last thing you need is a trailer that pushes your tow vehicle down hills. Would make for a scary experience.
So..lets all buy ourselves an F350 Superduty Diesel with a tow rating of 13000LBS and we're good to go!
Just my 2c
Asif
Foremost, for godsake do not use a dolly. While I'm not sure whether or not the owners manual mentions it, it doesn't do wonders for the differential. In addition, think of all the rocks and other road debris that will be sprayed onto the S from the rear wheels of the Pilot, which as the tow vehicle will be less than 5-7 feet away from the end of the S2000.
Secondly, I'm questioning the Pilot's capacity. I recently purchased a Toyota Tundra V8 and since, have been looking into purchasing a trailer/fifth wheel of some sort. While I haven't learned all that much, I will share what I know. The Pilot, with the "towing package" can tow 4500lbs with premium gasoline. That's a very liberal estimate in my opinion, since with regular gas and without the tow package, the rig is only capable of 3500lbs. If the S2000 weighs in at 2800, and the trailer another 1000-1500lbs, you are looking at pretty much the maximum capacity of the Pilot. Lets not also forget the Pilot weighs 4444lbs dry, and with cargo etc. has a GVWR of 5950lbs to account for passengers and cargo. A rule of thumb is to limit your towing load to 75% of GVWR, thus maximizing comfort, fuel economy and most of all safety. A GVWR of 5950 yields a max tow capacity hence, of about 4400LBS.
All being said, you COULD theoretically tow the S behind the Pilot, but is it something that I would do? Probably not. Not sure how such a "heavy" load would fare on the rear suspension. Might need some "helper" springs to see you through. Someone mentioned your trip includes a lot of hills. I towed a 5000lb trailer through the Rocky mountains with my V8 Tundra and lets just say, thats the most I would tow without sweating bullets the entire trip. The last thing you need is a trailer that pushes your tow vehicle down hills. Would make for a scary experience.
So..lets all buy ourselves an F350 Superduty Diesel with a tow rating of 13000LBS and we're good to go!
Just my 2c
Asif