Recommended Base Plate Kit for 2010 Honda Odyssey with Transmission Cooler

Question:

Can this base plate be used with a transmission cooler? Is there enough room?

asked by: Matt B

Helpful Expert Reply:

I do have an option for you, however the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit # 1556-1 referenced in your question is not confirmed to fit your 2010 Honda Odyssey if it is equipped with the factory transmission cooler. The cooler and transmission lines would likely interfere with this particular kit.

If you do have the transmission cooler then I instead recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX2251. This features a different design that allows it to install on your Odyssey with a cooler in place. I have attached an installation video that you can use for reference.

To flat tow your Honda Odyssey behind an RV you will also need a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution, a supplemental braking system, and likely a high-low adapter if you don't already have them.

For a tow bar that will work great with the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit and your vehicle I recommend the Blue Ox Alpha # BX7380. This is a really nice non-binding unit that features a self-aligning design for easy hookup. Safety cables are also included so you won't need to purchase those separately.

Then for a lighting solution I really like the Roadmaster Diode Kit # RM-15267. This will let you wire your Odyssey so that it accepts the basic signal lights from your RV that are required for flat towing. It includes a 6-Way connector that will mount to the front of the vehicle and enough coiled wiring to go from there to the 7-Way on the RV.

For a supplemental braking system I highly recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. This is a proportional system that will activate the Odyssey's brakes at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in the RV. After the initial installation this system requires very little attention as you transition from flat towing to everyday driving (and vice versa). You will need to add the Brake-Lite Relay Kit # RM-88400 in order to prevent the Odyssey's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn.

Lastly you will likely need a high-low adapter in order to keep the tow bar level. I have attached an article that explains exactly how to find the best one for your setup along with a link that will take you to our available selection.