Towing 16' Bambi with Honda Pilot

[Wayward]

Originally Posted by salvarez

I am confused about the Honda Odyssey being such a great tow vehicle. I have one and was told that they are built as passenger vehicles, not tow vehicles. In order to put a tow hitch on it, you have to add a complete tow package or some warranties will not no longer be in effect. I was steered away from towing with the odyssey by my dealer.

Hard to say what a great tow vehicle is (just browse the huge range of opinions here!) but, I do think it is pretty easy to determine the capabilites of the tow vehicle that someone is interested in using to pull an Airstream. I also think we too often dismiss tow vehicles before doing the math.

All vehicle choices come with tradeoffs, so there are many passenger vehicles that can tow. Vehicle and trailer manufactures provide weight, towing and payload specifications to determine how much can be towed. Based on the specs, the Pilot looks quite capable of towing a Bambi. This could be attractive for someone who likes their Pilot, does not want a truck, or maybe uses it everyday for other stuff. It is still a matter of opinon if that makes it a great tow vehicle.

I would not draw any conclusion about the Pilot's (or Odessey's) intended design based on the Honda tow package requirement. This is typical. Even 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks have higher tow ratings when equipped with optional tow packages. I would not place much weight on dealer sales rep's towing recommendations beyond just another opinion - the OEM specs are readily available.

Airstreams' light weight, aerodynamics, and low center of gravity allow it to be matched up with a far wider range of tow vehicles than other travel trailers. A bit of math and some googling offers up really interesting Airstream tow rig options.

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by Wayward

Airstreams' light weight, aerodynamics, and low center of gravity are designed for a far wider range of tow vehicles than other travel trailers. A bit of math and some googling offers up really interesting Airstream tow rig options.

This is certainly a key statement. All to often we see limiting blanket statements when determining towing prowess of any vehicle. The whole combination/setup needs to be taken into consideration when making accurate evaluations.

[TIMEMACHINE]

Originally Posted by Road Ruler

This is certainly a key statement. All to often we see limiting blanket statements when determining towing prowess of any vehicle. The whole combination/setup needs to be taken into consideration when making accurate evaluations.

Agree X2

[DKDarrow]

You mention in one of your posts that you go on weekend trips to dog shows. Is this more or less under a couple of hundred miles or so? If so, it isn't worth the investment in a tow vehicle just to tow with. Just count on going slow.

We have an 04 Pilot. Empty of weight it might get 23 mpg at 70-75mph. When we load it up with our videography equipment, maybe 600-700 lbs it works really hard to stay in the 65-70 mph range. Mileage drops to the mid teens............

Yes, you could pull a small A/S with the pilot. Would you get there? Yes.....Would it be safe going down a long grade with a curve? NO.....Would it be fine on "flat" roads? Mariginal...........Would it make it up a LONG grade? Yes, at a slow speed working it's gut's out.................Good luck and God Bless...........Dennis