Hi everyone - been reading the forums for a few days now, thanks everyone for the great posts. We have been looking for a small TT, and found a dealer who was selling a lightly used 2007 Jayco 17C in southern Virginia. I've towed boats before but this would be my first time towing a TT. The 17C weighs in ~2850 dry and 3500 Gross.
We had a class III hitch installed by a local hitch dealer, who also installed an electronic brake controller. Then we headed down to pick up the Jayco. The drive down was approx. 4.5 hours, down 95, around Richmond and another 80 miles on some 4 lane highways. Smooth rolling hills.
Picked up the TT, and had the dealer configure a weight distributing hitch and anti-sway bars in front of the Jayco (my terminology may be a bit off). When lowered onto the van, there was minor sag over the rear wheels. We spent an hour going over the trailer, and the only issue was a popped out screw which was repaired.
Towing the trailer with the Odyssey was generally a good experience. The transmission learned quickly not to upshift when going up hills, and did not hunt for gears. From now on I'll probably just leave it in 3rd if I'm going up and down hills, as they may reduce the shifts even more. Any thoughts on this? Power was adequate in 3rd, and the van did not seem to be struggling very hard.
The van seemed stable under most conditions, there were a few corners graded the wrong way where I didn't feel very comfortable, but the tracking was fine. Over large bumps, there was some noticeable up and down in the rear. I may look into air shocks, any thoughts on this?
Has anyone else towed with an Odyssey before? Should I look into a transmission cooler or temp gauge? We'll mostly be doing short trips within 100 miles, this was probably the longest trip we'll make with this combo :-)
Lots of folks will probably tell you that you don't have enough tow vehicle
Tow on...if you are limiting yourself to short trips. You don't mention where abouts in VA you live, but, if you are going to the hills, I would recommend a transmission cooler since you didn't have the tow kit (you mentioned having the hitch installed) from the manufacturer. It will definitely extend the life of your transmission. Whether you get one from the dealer or from some place like JC Whitney and have it installed, it will add years to the transmission.
If you plan on boondocking, you will want to look into beefing up the alternator...the stock one will have a tough time keeping the TV charged with the addition of the battery in the TT... If you are going to have shore power where ever you go and you keep the trips that short, it becomes less of an issue.
My 2 cents
Don
DW
3 Cats
2008 FunFinder X 210WBS
2008 Jeep Hemi Commander Limited
As long as you're going to keep the trips to around 100 miles, I dont see any harm in towing with the Odyessy.
Just watch how much you pack into the camper. You'll be alarmed at how fast you can exceed the weight limits with just a few items to make the camping a bit more comfortable.
Since your van didnt come with a transmission cooler as a stock item, I'd have one installed for sure. It will really help in the longevity of your vehicle.
Main thing is to have fun!
Every Miles A Memory
Photo's of our Travels
When we realize our insignificance in this world,
it some how relieves the pressures from society to succeed
- Cindy Bonish
I would agree. When pulling a TT with a mini-van, do remember to pack light and be aware of extra "wind resistance" drag. One can exceed the limits of a mini-van's 3,500 lbs "pulling power" very quickly. Thus, blow tranny and other drive system parts. Some people fail to see the concerns in these areas.
To reduce rear sag, may I suggest buying/install a properly sized WD system. If your "average loaded" trailer weighs 3,500 lbs, then get a WD system that is sized for $3,500 x 12% (or, approx 400-450 lbs range). If your mini-van has rear sag when its "average loaded" (but NOT connected to the trailer), then install Timbrens SES units in the rear. I have Timbrens SES 2,000 lbs in the rear of my tow vehicle (which is a larger mini-van) and use a WD system as well. Both work great in the same vehicle.
I'd avoid air shocks. Air shocks cannot take repeated abuse of up/down movements. Especially when pulling a trailer at the same time. Instead, go with Timbren SES units, Air bags or ???? Worth calling a few Auto suspension shops in your area and inquire what they recommend - for your specific mini-van.
When pulling at TT or near the max loads of the tow vehicle, do install a tranny temp guage. With a guage, one can proactively learn how hills, extra wind drag, stop/go driving, etc. etc. road conditions impact your Honda. If I had limited dollars, I would install a tranny temp guage first. If you discover that your Honda needs more "tranny cooling", then install aux tranny cooling system later. Many say that LPD (Low Pressure Drop) Design is the best Aux cooler design. Great for both hot summer and cold winter adjustments. But for now, I'd get your local auto shop to install a simple tranny temp guage - and proactively use it.
I had an Odyssey, they are great vehicles. You can get a transmission cooler on the net for very little money, installs quickly in minutes. The factory type cooler is just a simple loop that mounts in front of the radiator. Look in the holes under the bumper to see if you can see a loop of 1/4" tubing at the bottom of the radiator... if you have a loop you have the factory cooler already. It comes as standard equipment on some configurations even though they do not have the tow package. Mine had the cooler, but not the tow package.
Do not tell your local dealer you are pulling a TT, they will have a fit and may balk at any future warranty needs. Not that they would not honor your warranty, but they may give you a really hard time.
I pull a 30'TT with a Chevy Trailblazer. I am in about the same "near max" capacity situation as you. We just take our time and let the speed demons pass us. Just do not let yourself get off guard. Don't worry about the camper or the car; they make thousands of new ones everyday, keep your family safe!
Have a great time making memories with the family.
Drive in 3rd gear - a must at all time - Leave it out of OD at all times. Your transmission will last a lot longer.
Shocks - well that might help but I would think airbags if you can get them would serve you better. Coulds still have a set up problem causing the bouncing.
Scales - I would suggest you head to the scales and get your rig weighed. That will tell you if you are set up correctly as well as let you know if you are over weight or not. Remember it is not just towing capacity.
Personally I think you need a bigger tow vehicle - that is all I will say!
David,Wife,4 kids,SIL,1 grandchild
2003 Ford Excursion Eddie Bauer 7.3 PSD w/3.73 rear end
Jayco Kiwi Too 30T bunkhouse w/triple bunks
Prodigy Controller
Reese Dual Cam HP
Michelin LTX M/S
2001 F150 SuperCrew
I towed a big Jayco popup with an '01 Odyssey a few years ago. We sold it when we decided a TT better fit our needs.
Observations:
Transmission is the weak link. Odyssey has experienced quite a few transmission failures even on non towing vehicles(see ody.com). Cooler is a must. I purchased a towing pkg from Honda which included the trans cooler and wiring harness. We did not experience any failures, but only towed 1 season.
Added air bags in the back to prevent sag. My pup was quite heavy (even had a slide!). The downside is that the rubber stops inside the spring have to be cut out to make room for the bags. Maintaing air at all times to prevent bag damage is an extra maintenance issue.
Conclusion:
Too much weight for the Ody. I always had the "tail wagging the dog" feeling. Pups have no frontal drag to speak of, so I can only imagine how that affects the towing ability at highway speed.
We have a 2003 Ody which my wife loves. We find it to be an excellent vehicle for her lifestyle.
As always, these are only opinions based on one man's experience. However you proceed, I wish you happy camping!
'02 GMC Sierra Denali with Quadrasteer
Putnam XDR
'04 26BHSS Wildwood LE
Held on by a Reese Dual Cam HP
and stopped with a Tekonsha Prodigy
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