I dunno, whatever the difference in fuel cost would be for the extra 120 miles or so driving it takes to get there and back. It's not nearly as crowded at Barona and they run weekly but it's only an 1/8 mile track. Not that it matters too much...after the launch I'm pretty much just along for the ride whether it's an 1/8 or a 1/4.

 

Sounds like fun Pop. I put a little receiver hitch on my wife's honda, took longer than I thought. Was strange to attach 3/8 inch steel plate to a sheet metal frame with 4 bolts... Anyway you know who to keep happy.

Found a few internet pics for ya:

 

Well, at least hers doesn't have that pictured four-cylinder and has plenty of power, but since it's front-wheel drive, not four-wheel, it is gonna' undoubtedly be squirrely in the wet.

The wiring isn't going to be as simple as plug-n-pray, either, as I'm going to wire it for a seven-pin connector, complete with brake controller, backup, and battery-charge wires.

The Pilot is rated to tow 3500 pounds, or 4500 if it's a boat., but I sure hope if it gets close to that number it's the F-350 doing the towing.

Pop

 

Any idea why the additional 1000 pounds is allowed for a boat?

 

I would guess because of frontal area. But what if it is a pontoon boat? Seems odd that they would specifically mention boats rather than the more conventional ft/sq of frontal area that some towing charts show.

Agreed. But she will probably like backing up a short trailer much more with her Pilot. Seems to me a popup would be similar to a boat, or even better, as far as wind resistance.

 

I had always thought brakes were the biggest consideration in towing capacity, but the frontal area thing makes sense, especially with a smaller/lighter tow vehicle.

 

Steve, I'm sure you are familiar with IPRresearch. I did not realize they are in El Monte. I went out to my truck after work last night, and a guy named Vince had left his business card on my window. There is a diesel parts business across the street, so I suspect he was visiting there and spotted my truck.

 

Is that the joint that makes an aftermarket oil cooler for the 6.0?

 

Innovative Performance Research

Yes. A high flow oil cooler that fits in the space of the OEM cooler. Also EGR coolers similar to the Bulletproof unit. Plus the usual Fix Or Repair Daily 6.0 stuff. They've kitted some stuff to make it easy for the DIY'r.

 

As you have surmised, it's wind resistance that makes the difference in ratings.

I agree with you guys that the biggest consideration should be braking power, which is why I'm going with a seven-pin and controller. Additionally, all trailers I normally tow have that plug, including the little enclosed utility that I do cross-countrys with, and a motorcycle trailer (which I rarely take any more).

Maybe they think that everything has surge brakes.

Not!

Pop

 

What parameters go into a tow rating is a much debated subject on towing forums. The manufacturers do not divulge the formulas they use. Probably because the most important factor is one-upping the competition.

I think cooling is the single most important factor. Engine and transmission cooling. I actually think brakes are somewhere low on the list. And I just base that on the fact that a SD can tow 12,500 or more, but doesn't have a chance of stopping that without trailer brakes.

 

Hadn't heard a lot about their stuff. That oil cooler core sounds good on paper, but who knows how well it actually works.


I get to pick mine up today from Domestic. Got my new tuning from Gearhead already loaded in the device and ready to go. 3 tunes this time, the SRL+, 8k tow and unlimited tow. I didn't really want a tow tune, but Matt said running the stock tune with the Powermax would be so laggy it makes the truck pretty tough to drive. The 8k tow file adds a little bit of power, but no added power on the unlimited tow file, just shifting improvements.

It's been a strange week...I've worked every day and haven't had my truck. I think I've been in a funk

Edit: Sorry for pulling it away from the topic at hand

 

You'll feel better when you hit the track.

 

Saturday

 

Honda requires upgrading the transmission cooling (stock is lower radiator tank pass-through only) with an added air-to oil. The Honda brand add-on unit is barely sufficient, and I'm going with a more conventional aftermarket unit.

Additional cooling is required for the power steering fluid, too. The logic there is that you'll likely be running the engine in a lower gear and higher RPM, so more energy is pumped into the power steering fluid.

No upgrading of the engine's cooling system is required, however.

Go figure....

Pop