Recommended Transmission Cooler, Trailer Hitch and Wiring for 2008 Honda Odyssey

Question

Question:

Ive been shopping for a 2008 Honda odyssey exl towing pkg. Im getting ready to purchase a 6.5 x 12 landscape trailer with a single axel but heavy duty suspension and frame. The limits are expected to be 3500-4000 lbs. I know I need to add a class three Hitch tow assembly and a transmission cooler. When shopping trans coolers they also seem to be rated with classfoot numbers 1-3 but the pricing doesnt seem to follow the same patterns as the tow frames. Tow frames seem to be more expensive as their class goes up, 1-3. The trans coolers seem to be more expensive in the class one catagory. Unless they trans class rating is opposite of the tow frames class three tows more weights than class one, this is does not make sense to me. Can you enlighten me? Thanks

asked by: Joe W

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Expert Reply:

Our available selection of transmission coolers are given class ratings simply to help customers select an appropriate model for their vehicle. Because we are in the towing industry, our customers are used to seeing these Class ratings for trailer hitches, so this is an easy way to alert a customer as to which cooler might be the most efficient for their towing needs. For example, if a customer has a Class I trailer hitch, they are not going to need the larger size and capability of a Class III cooler. This does not mean that a higher class cooler is not compatible with a lower capacity vehicle.

As a general rule, when selecting a transmission cooler, you should choose the largest one that will fit between the grille and AC condenser core. The price differences between models that you mentioned is simply an indication of the manufacturer and cooler design. They do not necessarily follow the Class ratings you mentioned.

For your 2008 Honda Odyssey, I recommend the Derale Transmission Cooler # D13503. This plate-fin cooler measures 11 inches wide, 8-3/4 inches tall and 7/8 inches deep. It will do a great job of prolonging the life of your transmission and improving its overall performance. You can take a couple of quick measurements behind your grille to see if there will be enough space for this to fit. I have attached an installation video on the 2006 Odyssey that you can use for reference along with an article on transmission coolers that you might find helpful.

If you are still looking for a Class III trailer hitch, I recommend the Draw-Tite Max Frame # 75270. This is custom-fit for your vehicle and I have included an installation video on your 2008 model that you can take a look at.

For a trailer wiring harness, I recommend the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118438. This is again custom-fit for the 2008 Odyssey and will connect directly to the existing ports located behind the passenger side trim panel. Another installation video has been attached that you can use for reference.

Lastly, to tow a trailer you will need a ball mount. I have attached a link that explains how to choose the correct one for your setup, along with a link that will take you to our available selection.

expert reply by: Chris R

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