Towing Set Up for a 2016 Honda Odyssey

Question:

Im curious whether we will need to have both a Weight Distribution hitch as well as a trailer brake installed on our 2016 Honda Odyssey as we will be pulling a 2014 Coachmen Clipper BH? Ive heard that if you have a weight distribution hitch, the trailer brake is not necessary as I havent really got a firm answer from the dealership on this one. All everyone wants to say is how difficult it is to install trailer brakes on Honda Odysseys.

asked by: Tomas M

Expert Reply:

To tow your 2014 Coachmen Clipper BH, you will need a Hitch # 75270, Weight Distribution System # FA94-00-0600 and a Brake Controller # 90885 to power your Clipper's Electric Drum Brakes.

I recommend the Draw-Tite Hitch # 75270 for your 2016 Honda Odyssey because it is the best value and you are able to use a weight distribution system with this hitch. With a weight distribution system you can tow 5,000 lbs. and it has a tongue weight capacity of 500 lbs. But you will not want to exceed your vehicle's weight capacity of 3,500 lbs. No drilling or welding is required to install this hitch, it uses a simple bolt-on system.

When choosing a weight distribution system, it is key to know your trailer's loaded and ready to tow tongue weight. To this tongue weight you will need to add the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle in the trunk of your 2016 Honda Odyssey. Once you know this total TW for the vehicle and trailer system it will be easier to choose a properly rated weight distribution system.

The tongue weight of your trailer is around 400 lbs. and most people carry somewhere between 0 and 200 lbs. behind their rear axle. If this is the case for you, I recommend the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System with Sway Control GTW 6,000 lbs. TW 600 lbs. # FA94-00-0600. You will also need a Hitch Ball like the 2-5/16" Hitch Ball # EQ91-00-6100 and a shank similar to the Fastway e2 Shank # FA92-02-4214. This system will help distribute the weight of your trailer from your back axle to the front axle for better braking and steering and will reduce sag.

Your trailer is already equipped with brakes but to engage them you will need a brake controller. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller # 90885 for your 2016 Honda Odyssey. You will need a brake controller with the weight distribution system because the only way to engage your brakes is with a brake controller. This will allow you to have safer stops when towing.

To install your brake controller you will need the Universal Installation Kit # ETBC7. This has everything you need to hook up your brake controller to your trailer's brakes.

I have attached an installation video of the Draw-Tite Hitch on a 2015 Honda Odyssey which is the same procedure for your 2016 Honda Odyssey. I also attached a video installation for the Tekonsha Brake controller on a 2011 Honda Odyssey which is the same process for your vehicle which you may find helpful. I also attached help articles explaining how to determine tongue weight and common weight distribution questions you may want to check out.