Should a Transmission Cooler be Added on a 2004 Honda Odyssey Towing a 2,300 lb Boat and Trailer

Question

Question:

I need to tow a boat with a 04 Honda Odyssey. The boat weighs 2300lb and Ill be towing it to a distance 16 miles away without any steep inclines. Ill need to tow this twice a year. Do i need to get a transmission cooler?

asked by: Joe D

0

Expert Reply:

Towing a boat 16 miles twice a year should not require the use of a transmission cooler in most situations. Keep in mind though that if Honda requires an added transmission cooler for towing, see owners manual, you may have warranty claim trouble if a problem occurs with the vehicle.

It is my experience that when a person installs a hitch, like the Draw-Tite Class III Hitch, # 75270, which fits the 2004 Honda Odyssey, they find more and more reasons to tow. In this situation I would recommend installing a transmission cooler on your vehicle. The Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit, # D13503, would be a good choice for your Odyssey. We have a transmission cooler install video that should be helpful also, see link.

A transmission cooler will not hurt the vehicle in any way and will help the transmission last longer by keeping the fluid in the transmission cooler. Heat is the enemy of the transmission, and towing causes more heat to be generated.

The information I was able to obtain is that the 2004 Honda Odyssey has a maximum trailer weight rating, when properly equipped, of 3,500 lbs. Another thing to keep in mind is the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of the vehicle, which I found to be 8,160 lbs. The GCWR is the maximum weight the vehicle is rated to carry, including the weight of the vehicle all contents and occupants and the trailer and all contents. You should check your specific vehicle owners manual for the tow rating and GCWR because factory options like different transmissions and suspension components also affect towing ratings and performance.

expert reply by: Robert G

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Answer 1

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

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Answer 5

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

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Answer 9

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Answer 12

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