Maximizing Capacity When Transporting Bike Rack and Pulling Trailer with 2012 Honda Odyssey

Question:

I see on the description for this hitch where the Max Tongue weight is 675lbs but the Weight Carrying capacity is 350lbs. I am trying to decide if its worth it to replace the current curt hitch which has a tongue weight capacity of 350 to get the extra tongue capacity when hauling a trailer and a bike rack. I successfully carried both this year for 350 miles both way but it was to low and for me to put in a taller extension and possibly carry a little bit heavier trailer I may have to replace the hitch. I was able to get away with probably 250 to 300lbs with an extension but with the extension I am suppose to keep it under 175 and thats basically impossible if you are going to carry a bike rack and bikes. Receiver opening: 2inch x 2 Rating: Class III Maximum gross trailer weight: 4,500 lbs Maximum GTW when used with weight distribution: 5,000 lbs Maximum tongue weight: 675 lbs Maximum TW when used with weight distribution: 675 lbs Limited lifetime warrantyat the total tongue weight is 675lbs Weight Carrying Capacity Gross Towing Weight GTW: 3,500 lbs. Tongue Weight TW: 350 lbs.

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75270 that you referenced does have a tongue weight capacity of 675 pounds, which will provide an upgrade in strength compared to your existing hitch that has a 350 pound tongue weight limit. With that in mind it is important to note that regardless of the hitch, you will always be limited by your weakest link.

This means if your Honda Odyssey has a maximum tongue weight of 350 pounds you still need to adhere to this number even if the hitch you are using is rated for more. Going with a higher-rated hitch like this may work to reduce some of that sag you're getting with a trailer and rack attached, but I suspect that the majority of your reduced ground clearance is coming from sag on the van's rear suspension when under load.

Moving to the heavier-duty hitch might still be a good idea to give you a larger safety margin with the hitch's capacity, especially if you plan on using an extension, but I recommend adding suspension enhancement to cut down on the sag.

For your 2012 Honda Odyssey I recommend taking a look at the Timbren # THROD2. These hollow rubber jounce-style springs will simply replace the factory bump stops on the van to provide much better load support, drastically reduce the rear-end sag you get with everything hooked up, and will also work to extend the lifespan of the factory suspension components.

I have attached an installation video on a later model-year Odyssey just so you can get a better idea as to how everything works.

expert reply by: Chris R