Towing Package for a 2008 Honda Odyssey

Question

Question:

Im looking to use my 2008 Odyssey to tow a boat. 1 I would like to buy a trailer hitch receiver kit - was wondering which product is recommended - Curt, Hidden, Draw-tite etc? 2 Is there a difference between Power steering coolers and transmission coolers? Ill need one of each. Ive watched some of your videos on taking off my front grill. 3 My trailer will have surge brakes, but wiring harness? 4 Im planning on using a load distribution hitch, is there anything to look for between brands? Is this all fairly easy to install if someone is good with tools? Thanks in advance!

asked by: Jake S

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The trailer hitch I recommend for your 2008 Honda Odyssey is the Draw-Tite Max-Frame # 75270 because it doesn't require any fascia trimming (like the etrailer and Curt might). This, as well as the other trailer hitches, exceeds the weight ratings of your Odyssey so you can be confident that you are getting the most out of the trailer hitch. Be sure to check the weight ratings of your Odyssey in your owner's manual and keep from exceeding it.

To finish out your towing setup I recommend the Tekonsha T-One # 118438 because it uses the OEM fuse location and is still an easy install. This gives you a 4-Way Flat connector that will be compatible with your surge brakes unless you have an electric lockout which would then warrant the installation of the adapter # 20036 as well.

The key with coolers is to get the biggest one that will fit under your hood so that you get the most out of it. The most popular transmission cooler is the Derale # D13503 which measures 11" wide x 8-3/4" tall x 7/8" deep while the most popular power steering cooler is the Derale # D13212 which measures 8-1/8" wide x 5" tall x 3/4" deep. I am linking some sample installation videos as well as some helpful articles that you can reference to ensure these are the best options for your towing application.

The weight distribution (WD) system that I recommend going with is the Equal-i-zer # EQ37040ET which has a max tongue weight (TW) of 400 lbs. You just need to be sure that the loaded TW of your trailer plust the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle doesn't exceed this rating. Since the max TW your Odyssey can handle is 350 lbs (with one 150 lb occupant) this gives you 50 lbs of cargo you can add behind the rear axle of your Odyssey. This comes with a 2" hitch ball but it is recommended to use the thin-walled socket # EQ70-00-4800 to install it.

I have attached some other videos and articles for you to check out but you also need to be sure to follow any guidelines in your owner's manual (which it sounds like you are already doing). If you are handy with tools then you should be able to install all of this equipment just fine.

expert reply by: Jon G

1

click to enlarge

Answer 1

Besides the huge price difference, there will not be a lot of differences between aftermarket hitches like #13328 and the factory or dealer option hitches. I do not know who makes the factory or dealer option Honda hitches but I can give you the…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Transmission cooler installs are all basically the same. If you check out the install video I attached you will see the #D13501 being installed on a vehicle that will give you the general idea how it would install on your 2013 Toyota Tacoma.…

view full answer...

Answer 3

Because of the mounting locations present on a 2008 Honda Odyssey and the fact that all of the available hitches have cross tubing that is straight across, all of the hitches will be visible on the van. You can look at the pictures on the product…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The hardware that is used to install hitches on your 2019 Honda Pilot like the Curt #C13146 is M14x1.50 so that is the size you'd need.

view full answer...

Answer 5

The weld nuts on your 2006 Honda Pilot could just be so compacted with grime that they appear to be thread-less. I recommend giving them another good cleaning using the lubricant like you did before, and a stiff bristle wire brush like #DW00254. You…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 7

It is always recommended to follow the instructions of the manufacturer, in this case Honda, but adding a transmission cooler and power steering cooler is always a good idea. When towing, the added weight puts more stress and strain on the…

view full answer...

Answer 8

I will start out by saying that transmission coolers are a relatively cost effective and easy to install aftermarket add on that you can put on your vehicle to help prolong the life of your transmission regardless of whether or not you'll be…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Yes, you could use the Derale Power Steering Cooler part #D13212 as a supplemental power steering cooler for your 2008 Honda Pilot. This cooler could be used as a standalone power steering cooler, or if you have a factory cooler already you could use…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Honda states in the owner's manual for your Odyssey that the vehicle should be equipped with a power steering and a transmission cooler before using it for towing. Whether you choose to follow that advice is entirely up to you, but opting for the…

view full answer...

Answer 11

The weight distribution system I recommend for you with your 2006 Honda Odyssey is the Equal-I-zer Weight Distribution System with 4-Point Sway Control #EQ37040ET. This system uses trunnion-style arms that will help with ground clearance, as…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Weldnuts on vehicles as old as yours are going to be pretty dirty. Your plan of ordering a thread tap at same time as hitch is smart and will save you time as it's the most efficient way to clean dirty weld nuts. The thread tap size you'd…

view full answer...

Towing Package for a 2008 Honda Odyssey

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching