Trailer Hitch, Wiring Harness, Transmission Cooler and Suspension Enhancement for 2012 Honda Odyssey
Question:
Hi, I have a 2012 Honda Odyssey and I am interested in installing a towing hitch. I initially searched on Hondas OEM site and its quite expensive. I was wondering exactly what I needed to purchase to make it all work right and there were so many options on your website. What are the essentials that you would recommend? The hitch, harness? Is an oil or transmission cooler mandatory? Do I need to get the improved suspension springs as well? Any advice would be greatly recommended. Thanks
asked by: Jeremy
Expert Reply:
Let's begin with the trailer hitch. The Curt Class III trailer hitch, part # C13068 offers the best ground clearance of the available Class III hitches so that's the hitch I'd recommend. For the trailer wiring harness, I'd go with the # 118521 from Tow Ready. You'll also need a ball mount like # 2753 and a trailer ball. For a 1-7/8 inch ball, use # 19260 or # 63845 for a 2 inch ball.
In the owner's manual, Honda strongly recommends installing a supplemental transmission cooler, like # D13503. I'll link you to a video showing the cooler being installed on a 2013 Odyssey. The procedure would be the same on your vehicle. Adding a transmission cooler is inexpensive insurance to protect your transmission from overheating.
A suspension enhancement product like the Timbren # THROD2 will provide extra support for the rear suspension of your Odyssey when the cargo area is loaded or when the tongue weight of a trailer is compressing your rear suspension. This will prevent the rear end sag, which interferes with the aim of your headlights as well as braking and steering response. The thing I like about the Timbren system is that it will NOT affect the ride of the vehicle unless the rear suspension is under load.
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 >
Draw-Tite Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 2-3/4" Rise, 4" Drop - 9" Long - 7.5K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 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 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 >
Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Jounce-Style Springs
- Standard Duty
- Timbren
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 >
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