Towing a Trailer and Carrying Bikes at the Same Time with a 2014 Honda Odyssey

Question:

Initially I bought the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2 Item # C13068 from etrailer to Attach the Thule T2 Code: TH83JV for my bikes. I recently bought a pop up camper which weighs 1800 lbs. I am new to the camper/ towing world so please answer questions accordingly. Question 1 Would the D210 work with a Thule T2 Code: TH83JV and the camper on the Odyssey?? Question 2 Will the ball mount be too low on the van with the D210? 3 If so, what ball mount size do you recommend for the Odyssey to haul a camper? I guess I could attach the bikes on the back of the camper if the D210 wont work. Thanks!

asked by: Laurie F

Expert Reply:

The Thule T2 # TH83JV will work in the receiver portion of multipurpose ball mount # D210. The issue is that you will likely have reduced turning clearance when towing the trailer and the bikes and/or rack could make contact with the trailer if you were to turn tightly enough.

The height of the ball mount is another potential issue. The # D210 has a 2-1/4 inch drop. To determine if this will be a factor there are some measurements you can take. First measure from the ground to the top of the receiver opening on the 2014 Honda Odyssey. Next measure from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler with the trailer level.

If the trailer is higher the difference is the amount of rise you would need to tow the trailer level. And if the vehicle end is higher then the difference is the amount of drop you will need. In all likelihood the # D210 will be too low to tow the trailer level.

Carrying the bikes on the trailer is an option but there are some things to look out for with that method as well. First, there are only certain bike racks that are rated for use on a trailer or RV and the Thule T2 is not one of them. Second you will need a place on the trailer to insert a hitch mount bike rack.

If the trailer has an A-Frame then one option is the Bike Bunk # CC-275. Another option is to install a rear mount hitch on the trailer such as # 13703 and use a rack rated for use on a trailer such as the Bike Wing, # B01748.

And another option is to use a longer ball mount that has the right amount of rise or drop to tow the trailer level with a towing bike rack such as # C18013. The longer the ball mount the more clearance there will be when turning.