2007 Honda Odyssey Hitch, Brake Controller and Weight Distribution Recommendation

Question

Question:

Own a 2007 Honda Odyssey EX-L 4D Pass Ext Van and want to pull a 6x12 Cargo Trailer with the following capacity: Max load: 2,480 lbs./ Gross vehicle weight: 4,400 lbs. max./Empty weight: 1,920 lbs. We will have 2 adults, 3 kids and 4 large dogs in Van 1000 lbs est We will have 1 motorcycle 500lbs est and furniture 800lbsest in uhaul We are driving from Va to NY 2007 Honda Odyssey users manual states that when have 1000lbs of passengers it can tow up to 2,750 lbs. GVWR is 5,952 lbs, GCWR is 8,410 lbs Shop is willing to install Class II Hitch/Ball mount/hitch ball/wiring harness Based on what I have read about overheating we will be purchasing and installing the following: Power steering Cooler D13212 Transmission Fluid Cooler Derale Transmission Cooler Class III Honda Air Duct Cooler Users Manual states that if the total trailer weight is more than 1,850 lbs , you must also use a weight distributing hitch and if the total trailer weight exceeds 2,000 lbs you should install a sway control device and any trailer having a total weight of 1,000 lbs or more be equipped with its own electric or surge-type brakes Will the class II hitch installed by uhaul be sufficient? Should we get a Class III Hitch installed if getting weight distributing hitch? Are the power steering/transmission/airduct cooler enough and will they fit my Odessey? Which weight distribution/sway control hitch should we get? least expensive possible please Which electronic brakes should we get? Will we need/should we get Timbren Vehicle Suspension? Are we missing anything or should change anything? Thank you for your help

asked by: Tiffany

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since you have to use a weight distribution system for the weight of your trailer you will need to install a Class III hitch like the Draw-Tite part # 75270.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

Assuming your vehicle had the towing capacity needed for the tongue weight you listed based on the weight of your trailer the Strait Line System part # RP66083 that you referenced SHOULD work well for you as it has a tongue weight range of 400-800 lbs. But you will still need to verify your loaded tongue weight first and towing capacities. Our understanding is that your vehicle has a 350 lb tongue weight capacity and you would be exceeding your capacities. This system also features the only sway control on the market that works to prevent sway before it starts. With a WD system you would not need a Timbren system either.

You may have to go with a lower rated system though based on the towing capacities of your vehicle. For that you would want part # RP66082. This system has a tongue weight range of 200-600 lbs which would work well with the towing capacities of your vehicle. Be sure not to exceed these capacities.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes.

To install this controller you will first need a 4-way installed like the part # 118438 and then also the part # ETBC7 to convert the 4-way to a 7-way and install the controller.

When picking out any type of cooler like a transmission or power steering cooler you will want to go with the largest one available that will fit the available space in front of your radiator.

We installed the # D13503 in a 2006 Honda Odyssey and found it worked well.