Towing jet ski with Honda Pilot

[CmpCAW]

Not really a SeaRay question, but I still would like some help.

I own a 2004 Honda Pilot without the tow package. I want to tow a jet ski. With trailer, ski, fluids, and accessories, it will weigh about 1100 lbs. I will be towing it about 200 miles on relatively flat highway, only a couple times a year. Looking towards the future, I might one day tow two jet skis (2000 lbs), but overall, I think it is unlikely. I will not be towing anything heavier, as I already tow my SeaRay with an Expedition. Getting a new tow vehicle is not a consideration, as the Pilot is our dependable family car. It has 78,000 miles on it, and I keep up with all recommended servicing.

I will be having a hitch and wiring harness installed. My question is if I need the additional heavy duty trans cooler and oil cooler.

Two dealers will only sell me the whole package (hitch, harness, trans and oil cooler, and installation), whereas another dealer will sell me the hitch and harness seperately, and told me I don't really need the additional heavy duty trans and oil cooler based on the light towing I plan to do. This would save me some big bucks.

Any opinions on my need for the heavy duty trans and oil cooler for the above situation? After I determine the necessity of the tranny and oil cooler, I'll see what my local U-Haul charges for the hitch and wiring, but I don't think they put in the tranny cooler if it was needed. Thanks.

 

[Summerwind]

Well whats your ride towing capability as it stands? IMHO I dont think you'll have an issue.

 

[Vince_nj1]

I have been towing 2 - 3 seat Sea Doo's using my wife's minivan. (08 Honda Odyssey) without any issues. I did install a transmission cooler however. If you are doing light towing on flat land you should be fine as long as you dont try to drag race anyone.

The hitch bolts right into existing threaded holes in the frame and the wiring harness plugs into existing wires. If you want to save some money, search the internet for the hitch and wiring harness and install it your self. I have installed 4 hitches on various cars over the years. It is not that hard. A few hours and your done.


http://www.handa-accessories.com/mdx03.html#exterior

 

[tdappleman]

The load you are talking about shouldn't be an issue for the Pilot - has plenty of power and with the factory tow package can tow 3500lbs. If you haven't flushed your transmission fluid recently I would do that and go with a synthetic fluid which will handle the additional heat better then conventional fluid. The trans cooler is a good idea and is an easy install.

 

[Sundancer]

One jet ski isn't that much different from a fully loaded to the gills vehicle. If you add a second, then I'd probably add the tranny and oil cooler. If you have a gauge on them now, just keep an eye on them but I don't think you'll notice much change. Two jet skis will be hang outside your slipstream at speed and will begin to cause considerably more drag and with the additional weight you will probably need the additional cooling capability. That or drive the Expedition?

 

[CmpCAW]

Thanks for the tips and opinions. My local U-Haul has a Class 3 hitch, wiring, and installation for $350. I'm not a do-it-yourselfer, so the money and time saved is well spent. If there comes a time that I'm towing two skis, I'll add the tranny cooler. The Expedition will be towing the 240 Sundeck, so the Pilot will be pulling the ski. Thanks again.