Recommended Towing Set Up for 2017 Honda Odyssey Towing 2018 Airstream Sport 16

Published 01/16/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(1867)

$194.56

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

(473)

$61.54

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6644)

$156.98

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1375)

$88.93

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient

(867)

$102.18

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3398)

$121.17

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.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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?

Kyle S.

1/16/2018

For a brake controller I strongly recommend the Prodigy P3 # 90195; it is the most popular model we carry due to its effectiveness and ease of use. It will activate your trailer's brakes immediately in proportion to your Odyssey's brakes and offers three different boost levels so you can adjust your braking power. The P3 levels automatically, has constant diagnostic checks, contains safeguards which defend your controller against shorts, and features an LCD display which is much easier to read than that of other controllers. This controller has been met with nearly universal praise; it has been reviewed by our customers more than 2,000 times and is averaging close to 5 out of 5 stars. I've added links to video reviews of the P3 for you to take a look at as well. In order to install the P3 you would need to install the 4-way I previously mentioned as well as the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7. As far as a weight distribution system, In order to choose the best one, you will first need to know your total tongue weight (TTW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your 2017 Odyssey. To determine your trailer's loaded tongue weight you can use a scale such as the etrailer # e99044 or by using one of the methods outlined in the help article on determining tongue weight I've linked for you. From there, simply add on the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your vehicle and you'll have your TTW. The ideal system would be one in which your TTW would fall somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity. I've added a link to our page with each of our weight distribution systems for you to come back to once you determine your TTW.