Honda Car Forum

I have a 2004 Pilot and would like to tow a 4000lb (total weight with full gas tank) boat. Should I use the Honda Tranny cooler and p/s cooler or could I use aftermarket parts and what do you recomend? I live in Florida where it is hot all year but no hills.

Unless you are going to be towing for very short distances, yes. A trans cooler is very necessary. The p/s cooler, not so much. An aftermarket trans cooler would be fine assuming it is high quality and installed correctly. I know the Honda kit is expensive.

Thanks for your reply...Could you recomend a good transmission cooler?

No, I don't have any real experience with aftermarket coolers, just Honda.

I would just go to Oriley's, Autozone, Pep Boys, etc., etc. and ask about a trans cooler. Most will probably have one in stock since they are popular with racers. They probably even have some OEM ones for other vehicles that could be made to work. Just make sure it gets mounted well! You don't want to rub a hole in it and loose all the trans fluid when trying to go have a day of fun on the water.

Good luck!

Thank you for your info.. I will contact above stores and check with them.

One thing to consider is the fact that you will need to fabricate custom mounts for the cooler. You CANNOT zip tie the cooler to the condenser on that car. You will rub a hole in the condenser, the tubes are very thin and flush with the surface. Most aftermarket coolers come with the big zip ties for mounting.

The Honda kit comes with mounts, hoses, clamps, bolts, everything you need to do the job.

Thanks for the info. also, do you still feel I do not need to add a p/s cooler?