Trailer Hitch, Wiring, Transmission Cooler, and Cargo Carrier for a 2011 Honda Odyssey
Question:
We regularly travel from Mid-Missouri to the Tampa FL in July/August with 7 adults and I would estimate 300-400 pounds of luggage. The luggage is divided between a car top carrier setup and in-van storage. Would a transmission cooler be of benefit? Would a hitch mounted basket be better than the roof mounted setup or should we consider a small cargo trailer maybe?
asked by: DONALD R
Helpful Expert Reply:
Absolutely! A transmission cooler is always a good idea. Keeping the fluid cooler helps the transmission last longer, especially when carrying a lot of weight. And the benefit of a hitch mounted carrier is that you won't run into as much wind resistance so you will get better gas mileage. The benefit of a small trailer is less stress on the vehicle because the tongue weight would be lower than using a hitch mounted carrier.
The most popular transmission cooler is # D13503. I have linked a video showing an example installation on a 2013 Odyssey for you to view. Installation will be similar on your 2011.
If you need a trailer hitch the most popular option is # 75270. I have linked a video showing how it installs on a 2011 Odyssey.
For a hitch mount cargo carrier Pro Series carrier # 63153 is a great option. It has a 500 pound capacity but you are limited to 350 pounds minus the weight of the carrier. You can also add light kit # 20174 to the carrier. For it to work the van will need a 4-Way connector, # 118521.
I have linked videos of the carrier and wiring for you as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Light Kit for Draw-Tite, Tow Ready, and Rola Railed Cargo Carriers
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier Parts
- Lights
- Light Kit
- etrailer
more information >
24x60 Reese Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - 500 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Fixed Carrier
- 24 Inch Wide
- Heavy Duty
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 60 Inch Long
- Class III
- Class IV
- Steel
- Reese
more information >
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 675 lbs TW
- 4500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 675 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 8-3/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Frequently Asked Questions About Transmission Coolers
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Transmission Cooler
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Compatibility with 5000 lb Travel Trailer
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Q&A: What do the Class Ratings Mean on the Transmission Cooler Pages
- Article: Engine Oil Coolers
- Q&A: Transmission Cooler Recommendation for 2011 Chevy Silverado
- Q&A: SuperCoils and SumoSprings For Improving Ride Quality On a 2019 Ram 1500 With Truck Bed Camper
- Q&A: Towing Package for a 2008 Honda Odyssey
- Q&A: Comparing Flex-A-Lite And Derale Transmission Coolers For A 2016 Honda Pilot