Ready to escape!

[Jrn56]

After going back and forth between the 15A, 17B and the 19 we have made our final decision. We have a 19 on order with an August 23rd completion date. What turned out to be the deciding factor was not just the height issue but more of the bed size of the 17 vs 19. Tammy and Kim were very helpful and patient in getting our order in. Now we can move on to the fun process of picking options and modifications.

Thanks for all the help so far! This forum is great!

John and Brenda

[dbailey]

Yup, bed size was a key deciding factor for us, too. We were fortunate that they had a couple pre-built on the lot when we came to our decision, so we didn't have to wait until August.

Congrats on your purchase!

[emers382]

John and Brenda - congrats - we are considering 19 or 5.0 primarily because of bed size as well.

Doug - now your's is/should be enroute to you don't forget to update your status on the owner's map. Did they get anther trailer for that trip - I had asked Tammy about the extra spot, but we're not quite ready to buy?

Adrian

[dbailey]

Yeah, the second trailer on the truck is going to Durham, ON. Not sure whether it's going there first or coming here first (hence not sure at this point if it arrives Monday or Tuesday)...

Thanks for the reminder about the map.

[ChuckS]

You will like the 19 size bed. Order outdoor shower. I use it for large pots and pans washing. Get the front storage box it holds a lot and a good place for the battery. Order tail lights on each side of rear window, visible safety.
Chuck

[Jrn56]

We are very excited but waiting for the August completion date will work well for us. Tammy said picking it up in early September after Labor Day will be fine. We are planning on taking a nice maiden voyage up in the BC area before heading back to Minnesota. So far Jasper and Banff are a couple of destinations on our itinerary. Next on our agenda is finding a tow vehicle. One that is on our list is a used Honda Pilot. More decisions but it is fun! Keep those tips coming.

Thanks,
John

[Jim Bennett]

Lotsa fun ahead, John. Making your way up through BC, over to Jasper, then down one of the most fantastic roads to drive in the world, the Icefields Parkway, into Banff, is a great trip. Lots to do on the way. I much prefer the Jasper area (named our dog after it ), as even though it is still somewhat touristy in many areas, nothing like Banff. Both areas offer lots to see and do.

BTW, our Pilot is still working good for us after 5 year (4 towing). I would recommend getting a model 2009 or newer, as they come with a tow package on them.

[gbaglo]

Best confirm what you get in a tow package. I know that in 2008, the RAV4 V6 Sport came with oil cooler and heavy duty alternator standard, but the U.S. version did not. What is included in the 'tow package' also varies.

[Jim Bennett]

All new Honda Pilots (since 2009) come with a Class III hitch, heavy-duty radiator and fluid coolers. Our Touring model had everything ready to go with the exception of the brake controller, which was just plug and play (10 minutes to install, and 30 minutes to figure out they were too cheap to put a fuse in the circuit).

Any other vehicles I canna vouch for.

[Jrn56]

I'd like to find a lower mileage 2006-2008 but it is hard to find out from the salesman if they have the towing package. Ideally it would be great to find one with the towing package and no hitch.

[Jim Bennett]

What Honda did when they came out with the 2009 model, is realized that more than 50% of the previous purchasers wanted towing capacity, so they made it standard in all their new Pilots. Good proactive thinking.

[LeonW]

Congrats on the 19 --- I am sure you and Brenda will be very pleased.

Leon

[Jrn56]

Thanks Leon! After seeing your 17B we knew that whichever one we chose we would be getting a quality trailer. We will be joining the Minnesota Escape club in September.

Jim - Did your Pilot come with a class III hitch already installed or was it just a prep package?

Thanks,
John