Towing with a Honda

I am looking at a 2009 171 that weighs about 2425 dry ( with options ). My vehicle is an Odessey with tow package. I'll add a brake controller and improved rear shocks.

Hello jma24,

Welcome to the forum. You have come to the right spot. I spent several months lurking around this forum before I bought my 2013 172. Lots of good info, experience, and advice here.

My tow vehicle is a 2010 Honda 4WD Pilot. The 4WD version is rated at 4500 pounds towing capacity. The main driver in my selection of the 172 was weight. I was going to tow in Colorado, at 8000+ feet elevation, and wanted to be able to handle hills and mountain passes without walking alongside my pod and pushing.

The 172 is listed by FR at 2128# empty vs 2205 for the 171. With the normal extras such as A/C, microwave, risers and one empty propane bottle it came from the factory at 2407#. With a second propane bottle, full propane load, two batteries, the RDome, two bicycles, and a few gallons of fresh water for the road and it calculates out to 2742#. This would suggest your 171 might weigh around 2760# similarly equiped.

This suggests you will be OK with the Odessey which is rated at 3500# with fuel, one occupant (driver), and the towing package. From this 3500# you must subtract the estimated 2819# and any extra for people, luggage, stuff, and junk. It can add up.

However, this is a sea level. If you plan to tow above sea level the big hitter is the engine and cooling system loss of performance at altitude. The Honda book suggests derating the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) 2% per thousand feet. The GCWR is the total weight of the loaded trailer and the loaded tow vehicle. 2% of GCWR becomes a big number at 5000 feet and above because it includes the weight of the vehicle and trailer

All that said, I think you will be OK, but close to the limit, at sea level. All this is math. I have yet to try my rig at altitude, but I will soon. It may only mean I have to crawl up hills, but I've added a Scan Gauge to monitor transmission temperature and we'll see. But I'm starting with 1000# more in rated towing capacity with the 4WD Pilot.

A final thought: Get a weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) with sway control. I consider it essential for small SUVs nearing the towing limit. When properly adjusted it makes all the difference in comfort and safety. I have the E2 hitch from FastwayTrailer.com.

I hope this has not been too much talk (typing). We look forward to having you join us Podders on the forum and on the road.

Welcome.  New shocks won't do anything, and you don't want to fall in the trap of adding stiffer springs (or McPherson struts if it has them).  As Charlie said, the only option for sag control is a WDH.  It solves multiple problems at one time.

Have a 13 Ridgeline, which I'm told is based on the Pilot frame.  The manual recommends against the WDH on this vehicle saying it could cause stability issues.  Not sure if that's true.  Has anyone used a WDH with a Ridgeline?  Towing a new 178.

Yesterday, Towed my new 178 with my 2007 ridgeline (240,000 km on odometer) about 100 kms (65 miles ) from the dealers to my home.