Is Transmission Cooler Needed to Tow 2500 Lb Trailer With 2011 Honda Odyssey
Question:
I want to add a receiver hitch on my 2011 Honda Odyssey. I would be pulling a single axle 14 trailer, carrying a Honda Pioneer 1000, so totally loaded, about 2500+ pounds. Never more than 2 occupants when towing. Most trips less than 100 miles one way, and mostly flatland driving. Do I need to be concerned about adding a tranny cooler
asked by: John E
Expert Reply:
From my research, I found that the 2011 Honda Odyssey has a 3500 lb towing capacity, so it will be able to handle the trailer and load you describe.
You might be fine without a transmission cooler for shorter trips on flat terrain, but I'd honestly suggest going with a cooler anyway, especially as the owner's manual recommends adding one to achieve the 3500 lb towing capacity. A cooler like # D13503 would provide extra protection for your transmission. The cooler doesn't cost much and the installation is pretty straightforward as shown in the linked install video.
For a hitch, I'd recommend the Curt Class IIl Hitch, part # C13068. You'll also need a trailer wiring harness such as part # 118521, a ball mount like # D-28 and a # PC3 hitch pin and # 19260 for a 1-7/8 inch trailer ball or # 63845 for a 2 inch ball.
I've also linked to install videos for the hitch and the trailer wiring harness.
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 >
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
more information >
Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 4" Rise, 6" Drop - 14-1/4" Long - 6,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 6 Inch
- Rise - 4 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Long Shank
- CURT
more information >
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 >
Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 5/8 Inch Diameter
- 4 Inch Span
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: How to Clean Weld Nuts for the Installation of a Trailer Hitch | etrailer.com
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Q&A: Aero Bar Roof Rack that Fits 2022 Toyota Highlander
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch for a 2024 Honda Pilot
- Q&A: What to Do with the Extra Trim Added to the 2022 VW Tiguan, R-Line for Hitch Receiver Install
- Q&A: Will the etrailer Trailer Hitch e98840 for 2017 Acura MDX Work for Boat Towing
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Breakaway Kit Installation for Single and Dual Brake Axle Trailers
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch for 2017 Nissan Rogue
- Q&A: Removing the Auxiliary Fuse Panel Door and Cover on a 2010 Honda Pilot to Install Trailer Wiring
- Article: Frequently Asked Questions About Transmission Coolers
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Our Team Picked The Best Camping Gear of the Year - Here Are Their Top Choices