What Components Are Needed To Tow A Trailer With A 2002 Honda Odyssey

Question:

I want to know the largest travel trailer I can tow with my 2002 Honda Odyssey. Maybe using a load leveler? Can I tow this trailer with the right hitch? Please let me know my limitations with this van. Thank you.

asked by: Delsing V

Helpful Expert Reply:

I did some research on your 2002 Honda Odyssey.

According to the owner's manual, if you are planning on towing with your Odyssey you must install a transmission cooler and a power steering cooler. Also, several other numbers are listed in the owner's manual concerning towing.

If you have 2 people in the vehicle then the maximum trailer weight you can tow is 3,500 lbs. For each additional person listed subtract 150 lbs of capacity.

If your trailer weighs over 1,850 lbs then you must use a weight distribution system, and if the trailer weighs over 2,000 lbs you must also use sway control.

In addition, if the trailer weighs over 1,000 lbs, it should have brakes on it and a brake controller would need to be added as well.

If you do not have a hitch installed I recommend the Hidden Hitch Trailer Hitch, part # 87479. This is a Class lll hitch and has a 2 inch receiver opening. A hitch pin and clip I recommend is part # PC3.

The ball mount I recommend is part # 2753. This ball mount has a 2-3/4 inch rise or a 4 inch drop. for a 1-7/8 inch hitch ball I recommend part # 19260. For a 2 inch hitch ball I recommend part # 63845.

When using a weight distribution system you will need to know 2 things. One is the Gross Trailer Weight(GTW). This is the weight of the fully-loaded-ready-to-tow trailer.

The other item is the tongue weight(TW). This is the tongue weight of the trailer and the weight of any cargo placed behind the rear axle of the vehicle. When you determine those items you can let me know and I can make some recommendations that will work for your system.

Since transmission coolers are not vehicle specific, you can take a look at the attached link of the coolers we offer and see which one will work best for your Odyssey. I have attached a drawing that shows the best locations to place a transmission cooler.

We also offer power steering coolers that may work for you. I have attached a link to our product page for these as well.

For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885. This is one of our most popular because it is easy to install and operate. You will need a 7-way connector for your trailer so you will need the Universal Brake controller installation kit, part # ETBC7.

If you have no trailer connector on your Odyssey I recommend the T-One Wiring Harness, part # 118336.