Hitch and Wiring Recommendations for a 2011 Honda Odyssey

Updated 04/07/2021 | Published 04/06/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(491)

$194.40

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(467)

$61.61

Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-3/16" Span

(2895)

$4.73

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 6,000 lbs

(3784)

$15.32

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 2" Rise, 4" Drop - 8-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs

(3746)

$29.64

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(733)

$179.94

Question:

Hello! This is my first time equipping a vehicle with a hitch. My goal is to get a trailer that will be able to haul a riding mower. I also would be interested in possibly hauling a popup camper in the future. I am just wondering what size to get. One of the trailers that I am interested in it has a tent kit that goes on the trailer says it has a 2inch ball coupler - when I looked up couplers, the most common size as 1.5inch My question is, is it better to get the larger size? Will this mean that I cant use a smaller trailer? Thanks for your help! Lori

asked by: Lori A

Expert Reply:

I definitely recommend going with a 2 inch receiver, like the etrailer.com # e98862. This will have a higher towing capacity than the 1 1/4 hitches and also gives you more options for accessories like bike racks or cargo carriers.

Whereas the hitch refers to the vehicle, the 2 inch coupler refers to the trailer. This is a fairly standard size coupler and will utilize a 2 inch ball like # C40004 that would be installed on a ball mount like the Curt # C93KR, which would then be installed in the hitch # e98862. The ball mount would be held in the hitch with a pin and clip like the Curt # C21500. Please keep in mind this ball mount is just an example and may not be correct for your needs. To find the correct rise or drop needed, you will need measure from the ground to the bottom of the coupler on the trailer. This number would then be subtracted from 14, which is where the top of this hitch on a 2011 Odyssey. The number you get from there would then be either the drop or rise needed to get you towing as level as possible.

I also suggest installing wiring if it is not already. The Tekonsha T-One harness # 118521 will work with any trailer that has a 4 Flat plug, as most smaller trailers and pop up campers do.

I also have install videos of these parts being installed on a 2011 Odyssey to make things easier.