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

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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

1

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

1

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.

Answer 1

Curt decided not to design hitch #C13068 to account for those welded on pieces you referenced in order to maximize the size of the side hitch brackets. As to why they chose to go with a 5 bolt design I can't say. The Draw-Tite hitch #75270 sounds…

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Answer 2

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #75270 is the replacement for the Hidden Hitch 87479 you mentioned. This hitch is confirmed to fit 1999 through 2017 Honda Odyssey model years. I've attached an…

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Answer 3

To mount the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness item #C56378 to the Draw-Tite item #76025 you will want to use the No-Drill Mount Bracket item #18136 and the item #18144. This will allow you to install the 4-way farther down from the hitch…

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Answer 4

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 5

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 6

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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Answer 7

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 8

Hi David! There are quite a few hitches offered for your 2026 Honda Odyssey, so I definitely understand wanting to know the differences. There are basically three styles available for you and I have them broken out below: Exposed Crosstube: etrailer…

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Answer 9

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 10

Yes, it will work. You'll just need to cut the Lance 6-pin connector out and rewire it into the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector item #e99011. Here are the individual functions of that Lance 6-pin:…

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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

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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

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