Brake Controller, Hitch and Ball Mount Recommendation for 2017 Honda Odyssey

Published 04/25/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

(235)

$225.34

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

(473)

$61.54

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2620)

$24.09

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

(6643)

$155.79

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

(1375)

$93.58

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3870)

$21.40

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

(3397)

$121.25

Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 6K GTW, 600 TW

(238)

$722.27

Question:

This will be for a rental. Is there any options that does not include drilling into the trailer?

asked by: Greg F

Expert Reply:

For your 2017 Honda Odyssey the Draw Tite hitch part # 76025 is a great option to tow with. It has a concealed crosstube too so that it's not overly visible.

You will need to start with a 4-way (if you do not have one). For that you would want the # 118521.

From there you would need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way so that you can install the brake controller. For that you will want the Brake Controller Install Kit and 7-Way Adapter part # ETBC7. I attached installation instructions and an install video for this product as well.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P3 Brake Controller part # 90195. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes. This will be the last brake controller you buy. It can easily be transferred to future vehicles as well.

If you wanted to do some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Greg F.

4/20/2018

Thanks so much for the help. Is the brake controller required? I went to the dealership and it looks like their tow package does not include one? This is the part number, but I cant tell if the brake controller is part of it? 08L91-TK8-100. They also recommended upgrading the coolant radiator and the transmission fluid. Is that required?

Jameson C.

4/20/2018

If you are towing over half the capacity of a vehicle you really do need a brake controller. The solution we provide will be a nicer controller that costs much less. The advantage of the system you mentioned is that it doesn't require any hardwaring and it splices right in.

Greg F.

4/24/2018

Jaemeson, Which weight distribution hitch would you recommend?

Jameson C.

4/24/2018

The weight distribution system I'd recommend is the Strait Line kit part # RP66082 which has a tongue weight range of 200-600 lbs and features only sway control that works to fight sway before it starts. For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.