Best Hitch for a 2015 Honda Odyssey and Do I Need a Transmission Cooler

Question:

I wanted to know if a cooler that Honda dealer says its required and costs close to $1k is really needed for a hitch that will be used mostly for transporting bikes. What hitch model and accessories do you recommend ? Thank you

asked by: Art

Expert Reply:

If you are referring to a transmission cooler like the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit part # D13503 or an engine oil cooler like the Derale Tube-Fin Engine Oil Cooler Kit part # D15502 then I can't say that I have ever heard of one being required, especially if you were just using the hitch for a bike rack. The transmission cooler would be a good idea if you were towing near your vehicle's maximum towing capacity but I have never heard of one being required. I also can't exactly go against what the dealer recommends but this does sound rather odd to me and I can assure you we have had numerous customers install a trailer hitch on their Honda Odyssey without a supplemental transmission or engine oil cooler as well.

For a trailer hitch that is a confirmed fit for your 2015 Honda Odyssey, I recommend using either the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 75270 or the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76025. The main difference is that part # 76025 will present a very clean look once installed. Only the receiver tube portion will be shown but this also means that the install process is more involved.

I have attached a photo of either hitch installed as well as a video for you in addition to a list of our hitch mounted bike racks. If you can let me know what type of bikes you have and how many you need to haul, I would be glad to offer a recommendation.