Honda Odyssey

[Terry W]

Is anybody out there towing a Honda Odyssey. Friend is wanting to tow his if it's practical. I believe it's a 2000-2003.

Can they be towed?

[Skip426]

First place to check would be the owners manual.
Then input the full info on the Honda on this site. You will need the correct year.


Store : Remco

[Mr_D]

Any Ody up to 2004 is towable four down according to Honda. HOWEVER, we know for a fact that the '05 is also, and earlier this year I talked to a gentleman that was towing a '10 with no troubles.
Long story but Honda paid us for the towing gear we had installed on our '05 and we bought a dolly with the money. A few years later we went back to four down. 101,000 miles now with only a bad parking brake due to my forgetting to release it and towing.

[Skip426]

Remco makes nothing for Honda's . BTW

True , but the site does say that no lube pump is required, and lists wiring kits, bars and base plates.

[rgvtexan]

Just sold my 02 Odyssey, >130K miles. Towed from WA to TX and back each year and more. It is still running strong. I would have bought a new one if Honda would bless them for towing. The Flex I replaced it with is 4 wheel towable. There is a procedure in the Ody's owners man.

[Clay L]

The following is a letter I received from Honda. I think 2005 was the last year they said it was okay to tow most Hondas.

02/22/02
(all models except CR-V)

Dear customer:
Regarding your inquiry on towing your Honda or Acura automobile behind a motorhome:
For your vehicle, the Owner's Manual advises against towing at more than 35 m.p.h or for more than 50 miles. However, this recommendation exists primarily because Honda has not conducted formal tests at higher speeds and for greater distances.
We are not aware of any particular problems being caused by motorhome towing of Honda/Acura automobiles with either manual or automatic transmission, so long as proper pre-towing preparations are made and the vehicle is towed at legal highway speeds.

Manual Transmission

When preparing to tow your vehicle, make sure the transmission is full of fluid. Do not overfill.
• Release the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission to Neutral.
• Turn the ignition key to the ACCESSORY (1) position to release the steering wheel lock. Make sure that the radio and all accessories are turned off.

Automatic Transmission

When preparing to tow your vehicle, make sure the transmission fluid level is full. Do not overfill.
If Honda/Acura automobile with an automatic transmission is towed with the front or all four wheels on the ground, you must do the following every day immediately before towing:
• Start the engine.
• Press on the brake pedal. Shift the lever through all the positions (P,R,N,D,2,1).
• Shift to D, then to N. Let the engine run for at least three minutes, then turn off engine.
• Release the parking brake.
• Leave the ignition switch in ACCESSORY (1) so the steering wheel does not lock. Make sure the radio and any items plugged into the accessory power sockets are turned off so you do not run down the battery.
If you travel more than 8 hours in one day (including stopping time), you must stop and repeat the above procedures.
NOTICE:
The steering system can be damaged if the steering wheel is locked. Always leave the key in the ACCESSORY (1) position to prevent damage to the steering system when towing behind another vehicle.
CAUTION:
Severe automatic transmission damage will occur if the car is shifted from reverse to neutral and then towed with the drive wheels on the ground.

NOTICE:

Improper towing preparation will damage the transmission. Follow the above procedure exactly. If you cannot shift the transmission or start the engine, your vehicle must be on a flat bed truck or trailer.

If you tow a Honda/Acura vehicle with automatic transmission, the fluid must be changed every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Although experience has shown that the Honda/Acura transmission and powertrain are capable of being "motorhome towed", America Honda does not assume responsibility for any vehicle damage or liabilities incurred due to the towing device, towing vehicle, lighting hookup, or other towing equipment or towing procedures; any responsibility for these items is assumed by the owner/operator.
If you have additional questions, please call American Honda Motor Co. Inc. (National Consumer Affairs) at 800-999-1009.

[Terry W]

Thanks for all of the info.

They have decided on a ready brute towbar. do any of you have a suggestion for the baseplate? Appearance is a consideration, I know some of them are a little better hidden than others.

Thanks, Terry

[rgvtexan]

Demco

[Terry W]

Thanks I'll pass it along.