> Can anyhone explain this strangeness of supposedly having two different
> tow ratings??

As it was explained to me, a boat is more aerodynamic making it easier to
tow. The Pilots 4500 lbs means it must be outfitted with a class 3 hitch,
power steering and transmission coolers....to keep the warranty valid.

Rick


"Tom Klingler" <TomKlingler@neo.rr.com> wrote in message
news86Rc.131238$fv.48444@fe2.columbus.rr.com...
> Anyone have any real-world towing experience with the Pilot?
>
> The Honda web site says it's rated at 4,500 lbs for boat trailers and
> 3,500 lbs for other trailers. What is that about? I've researched
> towing for 5 years because of towing my camper, and this is the first
> that I've seen a vehicle given different weight numbers based on the
> TYPE of trailer. How would the tow vehicle know if it's a boat or my
> camper?
>
> I have a 2000 Odyssey and tow my camper with it. Camper dry weight is
> 1,858. By the time we're all loaded I consider the Odyssey maxed-out.
> With the four of us and our stuff and the camper hooked-up, the
> Odyssey's tail is dragging. I would never try to tow a 3,000+ lb boat
> with it. Yet, the Odyssey and the Pilot supposedly are both rated to
> tow 3,500 trailers. But the Pilot supposedly can do an extra 1,000 lbs
> if it's towing a boat????
>
> I'm looking to get a boat that weighs about 3,200 lbs. total (boat,
> engine and trailer). I would never run the actual tow weight (3,200)
> that close to the tow rating (3,500). But I would consider it if the
> real tow rating of the vehicle was 4,500.
>
> Has anyone towed a 3,000+ pound boat behind a Pilot and actually pulled
> your boat out of a steep, slippery boat ramp?!
>
> Can anyhone explain this strangeness of supposedly having two different
> tow ratings??
>
> Thanks
>
> Tom Klingler
> Ohio