We'll See wrote: GVW (or more commonly referred to as GVWR)
Had to correct this, because it's too commonly repeated.
GVWR is a rating; it stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. It is a specification from the manufacturer stating the maximum weight a vehicle (or trailer) can be.
GVW is a measurement; it stands for Gross Vehicle Weight, nothing more. It is the number you would see on a scale if you weighed a vehicle (or trailer).
And for clarity, consider the GVW as UVW (unloaded vehicle weight) + gear and meat (people). It's the weight you intend on rolling down the freeway at.
They are not the same, nor are the terms interchangeable. In fact, the difference between GVWR and GVW is what makes a vehicle over/under weight. A vehicle who's GVW exceeds it's GVWR is OVERWEIGHT. A vehicle who's GVW is under it's GVWR still has payload available.
And for the record, most mini-vans make better tow vehicles than most mid-size or smaller SUVs, and in some cases 1/2 ton trucks. I laugh at the post about the guy who traded his Oddy in for a Pilot. All he gained was extra capacity on paper, everything under the sheetmetal is the same. Besides, POWER is the least important factor in towing, even if it is the most fun to talk about. What really matters is control and braking, which relate to safety. Power only decides how fast you can pull, handling and braking decide if you live when the situation goes sour. So if you want to pull a heavy popup with a minivan, focus on trailer brakes and suspension upgrades. Power-wise you will be fine by just learning to slow down and let the engine and gears do their job.
It's not going to be as bad as it seems unless they really load it up. We had an '07 1008 (10' box, 2' storage trunk = same size as 1207) rated at the same GVWR of 2,950# as well. We thought we had it really loaded, but when we put it on the scale it was 2,300#. By equipping the Odyssey with the additional towing capabilities, I would be most concerned about the tongue weight as discussed. Put the electric brakes on it and they'll be good to go.
That was me that traded in our 2003 Honda Odyssey that could tow 3500 lbs with the tow kit for the Pilot which is 4x4 and can tow 4500. I'm trying to figure out why you laughed at that?? We got extra piece of mind, after purchasing a much larger popup then our original one??
I think you will be fine. Many times people don't consider drag and focus on weight only.
I pulled a Travel trailer with a 2003 Toyota Sienna (hard walled). The only issue was the drag. Weight wise it was fine.
The pup will not have much drag. Use a good weight distro hitch, sway control, brake control & power brakes.
Install a transmission cooler.
You'll be fine.
4 whopping cylinders on Toyota RV's. Talk about great getting good MPG. Also I have a very light foot on the pedal. I followed some MPG advice on Livingpress.com and I now get 22 MPG! Not bad for a home on wheels.
Wavesprite wrote: That was me that traded in our 2003 Honda Odyssey that could tow 3500 lbs with the tow kit for the Pilot which is 4x4 and can tow 4500. I'm trying to figure out why you laughed at that?? We got extra piece of mind, after purchasing a much larger popup then our original one??
Because the Minivan and the Pilot are mechanically identical, with the exception of a rear axle to add 4x4 to the Pilot. The 4x4 only adds weight, and does nothing to improve towing. However the shorter wheelbase, higher center of gravity and off-road suspension and tires all negatively affect towing stability.
On other words, Honda rates the Pilot slightly higher than the minivan as a sales and marketing ploy, yet the real-world facts show the minivan is at least equally-capable, possibly the better choice.
That's why I laughed at your "upgrade", which amounted to nothing more than a little piece of mind because some number printed on some paper looked higher than some other number.
They share the platform across a few models including the Ridgeline which is rated at 5000lb towing. If you get the 2007 plus Odyssey you are getting the same transmission as the Ridgeline.
I can highly recommend a weight distribution bar for those situations where the tongue weight is near capacity. We were pulling with a Highlander. Even with the tow package the tongue weight of over 350 lbs fully loaded was a real struggle. Put on that WD bar and voila - everything leveled right off.
Let me know by PM if you would like more specific info.
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2009 Jayco 1206
2011 Toyota Tundra
as a Jayco 1207 owner (I tow it with a Honda Pilot Touring) I will add this one important thought:
THis camper has a TON OF CCC, and if your friend plans it right, he can EASILY come in under the figure you've given. I fully loaded my camper for a trip and had it weighed, came in at 2600 pounds...
this is a great floorplan and a very versitile camper. Hope this helps.
2011 Honda Pilot
2009 Jayco 1207
Eat at Mary's Hot Tamales - Magnolia Ave, Knoxville, TN!
Wavesprite wrote: That was me that traded in our 2003 Honda Odyssey that could tow 3500 lbs with the tow kit for the Pilot which is 4x4 and can tow 4500. I'm trying to figure out why you laughed at that?? We got extra piece of mind, after purchasing a much larger popup then our original one??
Because the Minivan and the Pilot are mechanically identical, with the exception of a rear axle to add 4x4 to the Pilot. The 4x4 only adds weight, and does nothing to improve towing. However the shorter wheelbase, higher center of gravity and off-road suspension and tires all negatively affect towing stability.
On other words, Honda rates the Pilot slightly higher than the minivan as a sales and marketing ploy, yet the real-world facts show the minivan is at least equally-capable, possibly the better choice.
That's why I laughed at your "upgrade", which amounted to nothing more than a little piece of mind because some number printed on some paper looked higher than some other number.
This practice seems to be common in the automotive industry's 'war of the weights'.
It's amazing how much the Ford and Chevy PUs towing and carrying capacities have increased w/o much if any change of equipment.
Dodge seems to be lagging in the 'war' and currently shows to be the least capable of the big three PUs. So yes, I'm afraid peace of mind is the only thing we purchase sometimes.
Hoppe
2011 Dodge 1500 C'boy Caddy
2000 Jayco C 28' Ford chassis w V-10 E450
Doghouse 36' or so Trophy Classic TT
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