[Jubla]

Hello. I’m hoping someone has had experience with towing and the capacity of a AWD Passport. We’re thinking of getting a travel trailer and wonder if anyone else has experience with towing.

 

[Wrascal]

As I recall the AWD versions max out at 5000 pounds (LOADED) trailer weight - with a maximum allowable hitch weight of 500 pounds. FYI: the Passport doesn't come with a hitch, its an accessory that must be added.

Here are some campers that may work: The 10 Best Travel Trailers & Campers Under 5,000 Lbs GVWR

EDIT IN: To stop them you will need to purchase/ install a trailer brake controller; the Prodigy 2 is a popular choice: PRODIGY P2 BRAKE CONTROLLER: Amazon.com

 

[mtgriff]

You need to transmission cooler if you’re going to pull 5,000 pounds don’t you?

 

[Wrascal]

You need to transmission cooler if you’re going to pull 5,000 pounds don’t you?

I believe the jury is still out on this particular cooler; I'm not in a position of knowing either way. Read the Honda manual and come to your own conclusion.

 

[Jubla]

Does anyone actually own a travel trailer and is currently towing it?

 

[Wrascal]

Six years ago I was pulling a 2004 24' 5000 pound HiLo travel trailer with a 2014 Honda Ridgeline (very similar specs). The Ridge often needed to downshift on uneven ground; we just traveled slow and easy.

HiLOs offered a significant AIR advantage by collasping the top half down over the bottom half. Todays typical campers won't provide that benefit.

Now I'm pulling a 42' 16K pound fifth wheel (with a diesel dually).

 

[EShackleton]

I have taken one short trip towing my trailer before the stay at home hit. I have an 18’ ProLite Escapade (Canadian brand) that weighs 1900 lbs empty. After loading I’m about 2700-2900 lbs. I put over 30K towing this with a 2016 Subaru Outback 3.6r with no problems. On the trip using my 2020 PP Elite with OEM hitch and transmission cooler the tow was effortless. One issue I found was the PP is wider than the Outback and the Honda hitch is shorter than the Curt hitch on the Subaru. Because of this when my spotter (wife) was on my right while backing and turning, I dented the left rear quarter panel of the PP with the trailer front end. I’ll be getting a longer hitch and pay more attention next time out.

 

[2000crv]

Hello. I’m hoping someone has had experience with towing and the capacity of a AWD Passport. We’re thinking of getting a travel trailer and wonder if anyone else has experience with towing.

Had a 2016 Pilot with the trans cooler towing a Sonic 23' camper weighing in at the scales 4500lbs loaded. No Sweat in towing down hills, up hills, plenty of get up and go! I would advise getting a rear view camera on your camper and a monitor for your dash, WAY better than awful side mirrors!! Plan on doing the same with my 2019 Passport, which to me, is the same vehicle....minus 6". hopefully it still has the elec brake hookup near the fuse and brakes, then we're good to go!

 

[louierg]

I believe the jury is still out on this particular cooler; I'm not in a position of knowing either way. Read the Honda manual and come to your own conclusion.

Had you provided more information we all might understand your suggestion. Bottom line on a cooler. The less heat created by the forced action of a transmission the cooler the lubricant and the cooler the components. Therefore, wear on the transmission due to use and heat generated breakdown of the transcfluid is minimized. Fluid plays to rolls. It lubricates and removes heat. Heat breaks it down and compromises lubrication.

 

[Wrascal]

Generally I would fully support a tranny cooler (for towing) however there have been several (many?) users with complaints with these coolers. I believe one person even paid to have his removed.

Do you have one?

 

[louierg]

Generally I would fully support a tranny cooler (for towing) however there have been several (many?) users with complaints with these coolers. I believe one person even paid to have his removed.

Do you have one?

Yes. Am unaware of of cooler problems. Feel free to enlighten me. To have this as a problem following my infotainment/speedometer screen problem would certainly convince me that Honda might be trying to outdo Chrysler.

 

[passportland]

Own a 2018 NuCamp [email protected] 400 which we will be towing with our PP. Graduated from a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with the 3.2L six and factory tow package where we averaged around 12-13mpg. We had the dealer install the factory hitch and transmission cooler a week after delivery and two weeks later we were in quarantine. So, looking forward to some camping when everything is opened back up.

 

[Wrascal]

Yes. Am unaware of of cooler problems. Feel free to enlighten me. To have this as a problem following my infotainment/speedometer screen problem would certainly convince me that Honda might be trying to outdo Chrysler.

I don't recall what the complaints were, I just remember there was grumbling / some were dissatisfied.
I did read about it on this site however, so feel free to dig in.

 

[ls973800]

I believe the complaint had something to do with unusual and unwanted noise during certain transmission shifts or engine RPM points.
Here are about 90 posts on this forum regarding the transmission cooler noise.

Transmission cooler noise

Here's a few from the Pilot forum

Pilot transmission cooler noise

 

[louierg]

I believe the complaint had something to do with unusual and unwanted noise during certain transmission shifts or engine RPM points.
Here are about 90 posts on this forum regarding the transmission cooler noise.

Transmission cooler noise

Here's a few from the Pilot forum

Pilot transmission cooler noise

Thanks. Had the cooler installed. have not towed. Have not had issues. Hopefully no issues when towing.

 

[johara1]

When I was looking for a 2020 PP I found one I liked and it had the factory 5000 lb. with the cooler, but I passed on it do to the problems with it on the 2019's and I picked up the same one less the towing package and installed one less the cooler for 225.00 and no shifting problems so far

 

[Sparky]

Hello. I’m hoping someone has had experience with towing and the capacity of a AWD Passport. We’re thinking of getting a travel trailer and wonder if anyone else has experience with towing.

I tow an rPod 179 with dry weight 2900 lbs. Have the honda hitch, wiring harness and engine cooler installed by dealer for $1500. I boughy prodigy 2 brake controller and easy to install by self. Tows great. Eveb though my Elite has 5000 lb capacity, its crucial to keep 20% safety cushion between tow caoacity and loaded trailer weight. I wouldnt try to pull anything with a dry weight of more than 3200 lbs. Easy to have 700-800 lbs of cargo and allowing for 20% cushion, that puts you at limit. This is a unibody vehicle. 20% accounts for hills.

 

[Sparky]

As I recall the AWD versions max out at 5000 pounds (LOADED) trailer weight - with a maximum allowable hitch weight of 500 pounds. FYI: the Passport doesn't come with a hitch, its an accessory that must be added.

Here are some campers that may work: The 10 Best Travel Trailers & Campers Under 5,000 Lbs GVWR

EDIT IN: To stop them you will need to purchase/ install a trailer brake controller; the Prodigy 2 is a popular choice: PRODIGY P2 BRAKE CONTROLLER: Amazon.com

I'm going with the Curt Bluetooth brake controller. Just plugs in 7 pin receiver between trailer plug and hitch wiring receiver. No box needed under dash and can take with you when moving to different vehicle. Worth the extra $100. I know as have now traded in two prodigy equipped SUVs!

 

[pshadoa]

I tow an rPod 179 with dry weight 2900 lbs. Have the honda hitch, wiring harness and engine cooler installed by dealer for $1500. I boughy prodigy 2 brake controller and easy to install by self. Tows great. Eveb though my Elite has 5000 lb capacity, its crucial to keep 20% safety cushion between tow caoacity and loaded trailer weight. I wouldnt try to pull anything with a dry weight of more than 3200 lbs. Easy to have 700-800 lbs of cargo and allowing for 20% cushion, that puts you at limit. This is a unibody vehicle. 20% accounts for hills.

Hi, I have put a deposit down on a 2020 R-Pod 189 that has a dry weight of 3075. I have a 2019 PP with OEM hitch and cooler. I was wondering if you are still satisfied with how your PP handles the 179. Do you use a weight distributing hitch with anti-sway bars? How is the towing at freeway speeds? How is the braking on the downhill?
Thanks!

 

[pshadoa]

I tow an rPod 179 with dry weight 2900 lbs. Have the honda hitch, wiring harness and engine cooler installed by dealer for $1500. I boughy prodigy 2 brake controller and easy to install by self. Tows great. Eveb though my Elite has 5000 lb capacity, its crucial to keep 20% safety cushion between tow caoacity and loaded trailer weight. I wouldnt try to pull anything with a dry weight of more than 3200 lbs. Easy to have 700-800 lbs of cargo and allowing for 20% cushion, that puts you at limit. This is a unibody vehicle. 20% accounts for hills.

Hi, I had another question re towing your R-Pod. Did you have to use mirror extensions? Or did you go with a bluetooth rear camera on the camper and a display for the dash?