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lawingnutz · 06-16-2022, 06:58 AM

I own a 2018 Honda Pilot. FWD. I’m wanting to tow it on all 4’s but it says in owners manual that it can’t be towed that way. Why? Are there any aftermarket products i could add to so i could safely tow it??

theroc · 06-16-2022, 01:55 PM

The most economical manner would be to use a tow dolly.

A lube pump would be the most logical if wanting to flat tow but Remco who used to make them no longer does. I'm not sure if anybody else manufactures them but even if so, I'm guessing it would be quite expensive if it is even possible.

To decouple the drive to the front axle in a FWD vehicle I suppose could be mechanically possible but again, would even be more expensive.

I believe that a lube pump or some type of a decoupler would not make sense on a modern FWD vehicle and if even possible, would be cost prohibitive.

Let's see what those who are more in the know have to say and advise.

twinboat · 06-16-2022, 02:15 PM

You can't tow it 4 down because the automatic transmission will burn up from lack of lubrication.

The running engine turns the transmission oil pump that oils the parts.

You may be able to tow it 4 down if you leave it running in neutral. Heard of it being done.

I dolly tow my 2019 Honda FWD Ridgeline.

lawingnutz · 06-16-2022, 07:45 PM

The Honda Pilot requires a wide tow dolly. Only one i know of is American Dolly. They make a 9 ft wide dolly.

.N4KP · 06-16-2022, 08:23 PM

17 years ago we towed a Chrysler mini van with the lube pump to New Foundland and back, from Florida, and had no problems.

The Remco system was pretty simple. Consisting of a tap into the trans oil pan, a small 12v pump, a pressure switch to set off a warning light and buzzer in the coach should the pump quit.
It may be possible to get a good transmission shop to make one.

theroc · 06-16-2022, 09:57 PM

Even if you could get somebody to build a lube pump system --or even more complicated and expensive, an axle de-coupler-- there are no baseplates made for a Honda Pilot so you'd have to have one fabricated by somebody as I don't imagine Roadmaster or Blue Ox would want to do it for one individual. So that would be an added expense.

I never even considered the dolly width problem.

I think you're better off getting a vehicle that can be towed without major modification.

doc · 06-19-2022, 05:25 PM

After retirement, I worked for a local Honda dealership. Very complicated mechanics on all late model Hondas of that class. Save yourself some heartaches and many dollars trying to do something that is not meant to be. Find an older pre'14 CRV and tow that with proper procedures.

twinboat · 06-19-2022, 05:41 PM

I use a StehlTow dolly for my Ridgeline.

It has the same track as the Pilot.

Cat320 · 06-19-2022, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doc

After retirement, I worked for a local Honda dealership. Very complicated mechanics on all late model Hondas of that class. Save yourself some heartaches and many dollars trying to do something that is not meant to be. Find an older pre'14 CRV and tow that with proper procedures.

Good advice...BTW the correct years include 2014 and earlier.