Is a Transmission Cooler Required for a 2016 Honda Odyssey to Tow a 1,600 lb Pop-up Camper

Question

Question:

We have a 1600 lb pop up camper being pulled by a Honda Odyssey mini van, 2016. I read conflicting opinions about the need for a transmission cooler, both for towing in our home state of FL, as well as our trips to NC mountains, Maximal towing capacity is 3500 lbs. Please advise,

asked by: Gary S

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

As always, you will want to make sure that you start off by checking your owner's manual to see if there are any specifications when you are towing with your 2016 Honda Odyssey. I looked at your owner's manual and it looked like Honda requires the installation of an additional transmission cooler in order to tow, but you will want to double check as well. The next thing to note is that it is never a bad thing to add a supplemental cooler to your vehicle when towing. You cannot cool your transmission fluid too much.

Weight limit is another thing to keep in mind when you are towing or looking at a cooling system. You should be able to locate your weight limit on your Honda's placard. This weight limit will include the weight of passengers, cargo, and tongue weight of your trailer.

That being said, since you live in a hot state and you will be making a fairly long trip into the mountains, I think that it would be wise to install a transmission cooler on your Odyssey. Climbing continuously can put a strain on any vehicle's engine and since you will be pulling a trailer as well, it will help to keep your engine cool from that extra strain.

For the best results you typically want to buy the biggest cooler that will fit in your engine. I have linked the product page to the different transmission cooler that we have available for your 2016 Honda Odyssey. One that I recommend using, granted it will fit, is the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit # D13502 which we have installed in a 2014 Honda Odyssey (see linked video).

I have also included some links to helpful articles about transmission coolers.

expert reply by: Jon G

1

Answer 1

For your 2017 Honda Odyssey the transmission cooler I recommend is the Derale part #D13503 which is large enough and efficient enough to do a great job prolonging the life of your transmission. It measures 11" Wide x 8-3/4" tall x 7/8"…

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Answer 2

We have just what you need! For your 2016 Odyssey I recommend the Tekonsha T-One #118521. This will give you a 4-flat connector which should be all you need for your boat trailer. Install will be quick and easy, just plug in behind the driver side…

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Answer 3

A transmission cooler is recommended equipment for towing with a 2016 Honda Odyssey. Given the weight of the trailer it may not be 100 percent necessary but a transmission cooler has benefits beyond just towing. Factory coolers are adequate at best…

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Answer 4

According to my research Victor 47376 grease seal has an inner diameter of 1.218 inches and an outer diameter of 1.983-inches. The seal we offer nearest to those dimensions is part #34823 as a single seal or part #RG06-010. These have matching outer…

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Answer 5

Hey James, thanks for reaching out. We may have a suitable replacement for that, but I looked everywhere online and I could not find a widely published dimension chart or full spec sheet you can pull up online using that number alone. The only…

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Answer 6

For idler hubs, you will want the Trailer Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 #AKIHUB-545-2-1K or the 4 on 4 inch bolt pattern #AKIHUB-440-2-1K. This is a standard BT8 spindle. I've attached an installation video to assist as well as an…

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Answer 7

Based on the measurements that you have provided, check out the outer bearing #LM11949 and race #LM11910. This bearing and race combinations has an inner diameter of .750 inches and an outer diameter of 1.781 inches. For the inner bearing and race…

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Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 9

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 10

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 11

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 12

Hey Jonathon thank you so much for all of that additional information! To haul your bikes behind your class C Sprinter motorhome, while flat towing your Mini, I recommend the Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack item #HLY64FR and the Roadmaster Dual…

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Is a Transmission Cooler Required for a 2016 Honda Odyssey to Tow a 1,600 lb Pop-up Camper

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