Option for Carrying 420 lb Wheel Chair with 2011 Honda Odyssey

Question:

I have a Reese Towpower Trailer hitch. It was supposedly custom made for my 2011 Honda Odyssey. From hitch pin hole to end of Bumper is 6 inches. Ive tried one carrier with no luck and even used a folding extension but the carrier still couldnt fold up because of my bumper. Obviously the Odyessy is low profile. The carrier is suppose to hold 500lbs. My mothers electric WC is 420 lbs. However with only 350lbs with two people standing on carrier the carrier was on the concrete! Without the WC on the carrier I could Not get out of my driveway. What Are reasonably priced options for transporting this WC? What kind of extension or riser extension could help the low profile issue? Or is it even possible 2 carry this WC with my Van? The book says it can tow the weight? Thank You!

asked by: Penny H

Expert Reply:

I have an outside of the box solution for allowing you to transport your wheelchair but your 2011 Honda Odyssey does not have the weight capacity to carry 420 lbs at the rear of it like you have found out the hard way.

We came up with an interesting idea that should work but it will require you to remove your captain seats in the second row of van. What you could then do is use ramps like part # 288-07474 to drive the chair in and then it could be transported there.

Otherwise your other option would be to find a small trailer for the Odyssey or look into a larger SUV or truck with more towing capacity.

expert reply by: Jameson C