tow vehicle for NSX + ltw trailer

[cojones]

Am considering getting a small tow vehicle to tow and NSX and a lightweight trailer, and wanted to get opinions/feedback as to a suitable medium-size SUV.

What is the smallest SUV / pickup you've used to tow an SUV. Assume normal highway routes, mostly Interstate/highway -- some elevation change, some twisties, but usually not at the same time.

Am considering one of the midsize SUVs if they can cut it -- Acura MDX / Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, etc.

 

[supercharged]

It might not suprise anyone familiar with our roll over but I'd suggest the biggest vehicle and and enclosed trailer you can afford. Short of that its all about how much stuff you want to carry for both trip and track comfort.

 

[cojones]

Thanks... sorry to hear about your incident

Based on my readings, the midsize SUVs with the "truck chassis" (Ford Explorer, Benz ML, Chevy TrailBlazer, Toyota 4Runner etc) have the larger tow capacities (5000+ lbs).

The more "car-like" models (Acura MDX, Toyota Highlander, new Honda Pilot) trade-off ride quality for tow capacity (typically around 3500 lbs).

 

[nsx1164]

Anyone else tow their NSX with a medium-size tow vehicle ??

Nick -- how's that Honda Odyssey project ??

 

[McAttack]

Originally posted by nsx1164:
Anyone else tow their NSX with a medium-size tow vehicle ??

Nick -- how's that Honda Odyssey project ??

I WAS able to tow my NSX with my '01 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 and a "lightened" CarMate 4 wheel open trailer. It did the job but I would'nt recommend it.

 

[BlueGTS]

On paper the V6's with the most torque come from GM. I can't say if those engines are good enough to tow. I personally use a Quad Cab Dakota with the 5.9 V8 and have towed with an open trailer up down the West Coast even through Mt. Shasta and the Siskiyous. People have told me that the longer the wheelbase of the tow vehicle the better it will be against swaying.

 

[Michigan NSX]

I think ALLAN's NSX is his tow vehicle!

------------------
'91 Black/Black

 

[cojones]

The Acura MDX / Honda Pilot are rated for towing 3500 lbs (or 4500 lbs if towing a boat).

Originally posted (in another thread) by G-man:
As far as towing the NSX, I actually checked into that and got confirmation from the Customer Service guys at Acura.

I purchased the optional towing package that equips a tranmission cooler and an oil cooler as well as the hitch and wiring to get the job done.

If you consder that that an NSX is typically 3,200 lbs, and a featherlight trailer is not more than 500-600 lbs, then you have a total of about 3,700-3,800 lbs.

You are allowed to use the "BOAT" weight of 4,500 lbs with the factory towing package as long as it is with a light OPEN trailer. The 3,500 weight assumes a FULLY ENCLOSED trailer that is big and bulky, like a U-haul. There is also a CONSDIERABLE safety factor built into it for the US due to litigation. It seems they have a 500-1,000 lbs reserve just in case.

Can you blame them given the whole Ford Explorer / Firestone deal.

 

[matteni]

I have outfitted my Odyssey with OEM power steering, transmission cooler, and hitch and have installed a ride hight adjustable rear suspension to see how well it will pull the NSX. I have a few "demo" runs and then the real thing in November for NSXpo.

Many people have reported no problems towing similar loads. Big thing is the hight adjustment, low tongue weight, keeping the speeds down, and trailer brakes.

If interested - search for towing on http://www.odyclub.com

 

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Hi Guys,

I too, am considering getting a trailer to haul my NSX to track events, particularily those that require more than 4 hrs of driving which about includes ALL the US tracks.

My question is what is the safest method of loading an NSX ( a lowered one at that ) onto an open-style trailer and properly securing it. I was thinking of installing a remotely operated electric winch to perform the loading task. Does anyone have any thoughts they would like to share on this? Is this over-kill? My thought of reasoning was that if I ever suffered a mechanical problem, I would still be able to get the NSX onto the trailer.

Also, I'd like to know what is the most secure method of hooking up the tie-downs. I've noticed most guys loop the straps through the openings in their wheels rather than hook onto some part of the chassis. What seems to work best for the NSX?

 

[cojones]

towing with a FWD -- BAD idea ??

Seems like the added rear tongue weight bias would serve to REDUCE front end traction, which impacts both forward (driven wheels) and steering.

Any experience with this ??

 

[DONYMO]

A used Ford Expedition would work well. They depreciate alot and you should be able to get a good deal on one.

 

[supercharged]

"Also, I'd like to know what is the most secure method of hooking up the tie-downs. I've noticed most guys loop the straps through the openings in their wheels rather than hook onto some part of the chassis. What seems to work best for the NSX?"

Cross tie to the frame attachment points(fronts may need drilling out dependinig on your hooks). This keeps the car from crabbing sidways and rubbing in unwanted places during transport or the occasional inversion.