Recommended Towing Set Up for 2017 Honda Odyssey Towing 2018 Airstream Sport 16
Question:
Thank you. The airstream DOES have electric brakes, so any input on break controllers would be greatly appreciated. Also any recc on a weight distribution hitch?
asked by: Sadie A
Helpful Expert Reply:
I took a look at the owner's manual of your 2017 Honda Odyssey and it mentions that with two passengers you can tow up to 3,500 lbs, which from my research looked to be the GVWR - or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating - of the 2018 Airstream Sport 16.
With that in mind there are a number of components you will need, starting with a hitch. I recommend the Draw-Tite # 75270 for your Odyssey; it is a Class III hitch with a 2 inch receiver and 5,000 lb towing capacity which is more than enough for you to tow your Airstream. You will also need a 4-way harness in order to get your trailer's lights working and I recommend the T-One # 118521 which is a simple plug-in installation.
It is also recommended you use a transmission cooler, and Derale is the most reliable, proven option. The Derale Series 8000 # D13503 is a fit for your Odyssey's 3.5L V6 engine and is going to give you a higher-performing transmission as well as extend its life.
Finally, I recommend checking out Ball Mount Kit # 989900, which may fulfill your towing needs in one tidy package; two ball mounts - one with a 3/4” rise or 2” drop and the other with a 2-3/4” rise or 4” drop - a 1-7/8” hitch ball, a 2” hitch ball, and a pin and clip. You can use the link to the help article on ball mounts I've added to determine if this kit will give you the correct amount of drop or rise. I've also attached links to a video review of the ball mount kit and our page with each of our ball mounts.
A brake controller will be necessary if your Airstream has electric brakes; if it does you can get back to me and I will be happy to let you know exactly what you need to make it work. As for installation, any certified mechanic will have little trouble installing a hitch, 4-way, transmission cooler and brake controller. I've also added links to installs of these parts for you to take a look at to see if you want to attempt it yourself.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- Two Balls
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- etrailer
more information >
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 8-3/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 675 lbs TW
- 4500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 675 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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Instructions
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on Trailer Hitch
Sadie
1/16/2018
Thank you. The airstream DOES have electric brakes, so any input on break controllers would be greatly appreciated. Also any recc on a weight distribution hitch?