How To Flat Tow a 2001 Honda Odyssey
Question:
What gear should the van be in? Or Does the key need to be turned over to tow?
asked by: Amber
Expert Reply:
I checked the owner's manual for your 2001 Honda Odyssey and according to the manufacturer, you will need to shift the transmission into D4 then into neutral for flat towing applications. The key should be left in the accessory position making sure to turn off the radio and all other devices plugged into the vehicle's auxiliary to ensure you do not drain your battery.
In order to flat tow this vehicle, you would need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety chain set, supplemental braking system, and a brake light wiring harness. For a base plate kit, I recommend using the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit part # BX2233 in addition to our Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar part # BX7380. You would also need a wiring harness and supplemental braking system such as the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO part # SM99251 and the Tail Light Isolating Diode System part # 38955.
In order to connect the vehicle's 4-flat to your RV's 7-way, you will want the Wesbar Coiled Adapter part # 787196.
Attached are a list of our product reviews for my recommendations.

Products Referenced in This Question
Hopkins 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connector
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Hopkins
more information >
Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6500 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Blue Ox
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Fixed Draw Bars
- Visible
- Blue Ox
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Shop: Roadmaster InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms
- Q&A: Blue Ox Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2000 Honda Odyssey
- Video:
- Shop: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Video: Review of Roadmaster Tow Bar Braking Systems - BrakeMaster BrakeAway Kit - RM-8600
- Q&A: Roadmaster BrakeMaster System Air Tubing Dimensions
- Search Results: brakemaster 9000
- Search Results: roadmaster 9000
- Shop: Replacement Air Jumper for Roadmaster BrakeMaster Flat Tow Brake System
- Shop: Replacement Roadmaster Breakaway Kit for BrakeMaster Flat Tow Brake Systems
- Shop: Second Vehicle Kit with Breakaway for Roadmaster BrakeMaster Flat Tow Braking System
- Search Results: base plate for tow bar
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Search Results: tow bar
- Video: Breaking Down the Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2007-2018 JK Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Which is Better Roadmaster or Blue Ox Tow Bar
- Search Results: tow bar base plate
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Q&A: Flat Tow Setup for 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid
- Search Results: vehicle tow bar wiring