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Hi,

I am new to the group and have a towing question.

I have been searching, talking to mfg, dealers and fellow campers trying to get an answer regarding towing with a Honda Odyssey  van.all have said yes and no. so I am still confused.

I have the tow package gvwr 3500 gcwr over 8k, hitch weight 350, family weight 400 (yes small kids and wife and kkids will grow)- do not take a lot of gear or drive with tanks filled except propane))

I have seen a post about  a Honda Odyssey and 14rb which helped.Though  I wanted to know if there are any odyssey owners that towed a trailer weighing with options 2800 pounds with gvwr of 3500.

Some comment i was told:

NO=

the numbers are there for a reason not as a recomendation

numbers do not jive

vehicle not strong enough

there will be safety issues

calculate gear and family

tranmission will go

wont do the hills

YES=

Honda engine strong enough numbers are guidelines but not accurate

it is a comfort thing

just do maintenance more often

flush transmission fluid yearly

trailer has brakes

go by gcwr not gvwr

weight distribution hitch will help

there are more but these are the ones that i remember now.

I like the kz 18rbt or the starcraft launch 16 rb. but both have gvwr 3500

I do not know who to believe anymore but i am curious as mentioned if there are any campers out there pulling with the Odyssey and what there feedback is.

Thank you

Hi Mike,

Thank you for the input much appreciated.

The dealer gave me a decent price but his mark up on the orientation, start up package pre inspection and 2 other things were a little high (1400) so still working on him.

Irequested a test tow but the dealer was against it due to liability. Though i would like ot tow it to see how the van reacts.

i think i am leaning to getting it, but the weight issue still bothers me. though i am getting more positive feedback

I did join the Honda forum but most replies were the van can not do it. There was also attitude.

I did get the tow package which includes both coolers, and I have the 7 pin connection already. i saw the 16 rbt but i like the floor plan of thhe starcraft better. i was considering the kz 18rbt because same layout but the starcrat is 16 feet. prefer the 16 footer

i do not expect to whiz overthe mountains but i do not want to drop to 50km on the hills and go below the legal min speed either.

yup all  about time with the family but i do want to get to my destination as well

have a nice weekend

Post edited 11:22 pm – September 28, 2012 by Mike M

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Older Caravans couldn't stop themselves, never mind being coupled to a trailer.  That was very daring indeed.  The newer ones are better, and the SXT version with 4 wheel disc has a halfway decent brake package.

The Odyssey has a robust brake package.  Honda engineering took into account the potential weight of the vehicle, and an appropriately sized trailer with properly functioning brakes won't overburden the system.

Mike M.

PS – Hope you stick around even if you buy a Starcraft. 

Hi

I have not been on for a while so thank you for all the replies. I bought a starcraft 16 rb launch.  my  real test is in a few weeks in Vermont. but so far so good.  Gas milage sucks but it was expected. From London Ontario to Montreal a full tank was 350km. with then tent trailer i was able to get 800km.  The van was reving at 3rpm and dropped to 2.5 sometimes. But will see if a wind deflector helps a bit.

happy camping