Is a Transmission Cooler Required for a 2016 Honda Odyssey to Tow a 1,600 lb Pop-up Camper

Question:

We have a 1600 lb pop up camper being pulled by a Honda Odyssey mini van, 2016. I read conflicting opinions about the need for a transmission cooler, both for towing in our home state of FL, as well as our trips to NC mountains, Maximal towing capacity is 3500 lbs. Please advise,

asked by: Gary S

Helpful Expert Reply:

As always, you will want to make sure that you start off by checking your owner's manual to see if there are any specifications when you are towing with your 2016 Honda Odyssey. I looked at your owner's manual and it looked like Honda requires the installation of an additional transmission cooler in order to tow, but you will want to double check as well. The next thing to note is that it is never a bad thing to add a supplemental cooler to your vehicle when towing. You cannot cool your transmission fluid too much.

Weight limit is another thing to keep in mind when you are towing or looking at a cooling system. You should be able to locate your weight limit on your Honda's placard. This weight limit will include the weight of passengers, cargo, and tongue weight of your trailer.

That being said, since you live in a hot state and you will be making a fairly long trip into the mountains, I think that it would be wise to install a transmission cooler on your Odyssey. Climbing continuously can put a strain on any vehicle's engine and since you will be pulling a trailer as well, it will help to keep your engine cool from that extra strain.

For the best results you typically want to buy the biggest cooler that will fit in your engine. I have linked the product page to the different transmission cooler that we have available for your 2016 Honda Odyssey. One that I recommend using, granted it will fit, is the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit # D13502 which we have installed in a 2014 Honda Odyssey (see linked video).

I have also included some links to helpful articles about transmission coolers.

expert reply by: Jon G