Honda Odyssey

So you all are confirming that a 2004 odyssey is good for flat towing?

What about a 2012? I have an EXL model with a 5 speed automatic trans.

I like Readybrake over the other type of braking systems, but the one thing I do not like about it is that you still have to have a wire connected to the brake pedal.

Rick Jay wrote:
Yes, the ReadyBrute Elite solution does help to keep the price down. I don't know if that was available when I installed mine or not. But if I was looking for a system now, I'd look it over very closely. I've read many good reviews on these forums.

What I liked best about our system is that the power brakes on the van are operating normally due to the vacuum pump on the brake system, rather than operating a "dead pedal" with no power assist.

Readybrake sells a vacuum pump you can add to their brake system to get the same affect if you want it.

However, as I and many others have learned, Readybrake in most cases really does not need that pump, as it is designed to be able to engage the brakes OK with or without any vacuum assist.

I also like the visual/audible feedback in the motorhome whenever the brakes are applied on the Odyssey while towing.

I like this, also. Fortunately, Readybrake includes an LED monitor kit as part of the package, that you install on your MH dash that gives you this visual feedback. They provide instructions to wire it to come on when the brake actuator moves, but you can also wire it to your towed vehicle, to come on when brakes are applied (many of us have done this, it gives better feedback that way).

And I can adjust their application with a slight twist of a knob, if need be.

Yep, this is the one thing you get with systems like RVI, SMI, BrakeBuddy, etc. that Readybrake doesn't give you - the ability to adjust it from the MH dashboard. You pay an awful high price for that, though, like you said.

Will

Yes, the ReadyBrute Elite solution does help to keep the price down. I don't know if that was available when I installed mine or not. But if I was looking for a system now, I'd look it over very closely. I've read many good reviews on these forums.

What I liked best about our system is that the power brakes on the van are operating normally due to the vacuum pump on the brake system, rather than operating a "dead pedal" with no power assist. I also like the visual/audible feedback in the motorhome whenever the brakes are applied on the Odyssey while towing. And I can adjust their application with a slight twist of a knob, if need be.

But, it was a bit pricey. But it's been a good, reliable system, so I won't complain about the cost. :)

~Rick

wbwood wrote:

Rick Jay wrote:
Get a 2004. :)

Then you'll need a baseplate, tow bar, safety cables, brake system and lights. Figure $2000-ish. To tow the Odyssey there is a prescribed pre-tow sequence. If you need that, let me know and I'll post that too. Tranny fluid should also be changed at an accelerated interval since the odometer does not record towed miles.

~Rick

I assume with the $2000 figure, you are talking about self-installation? If not, let me know where you can get all that for that price including installation.

..If you go with something like Readybrake's ReadyBrute Elite tow bar system that includes both tow bar AND braking sytem all in one package for around $1k....Yes, it might well be possible to get it all done, including professional installation, for around $2000.

Brian,

Yes, that's probably a self installation estimate with better quality components. Plus, I bought our stuff about 10 years ago, so there's probably some inflation. There are a lot of options as to tow bars and brake systems. There are some cheap tow bars out there, but they're more finicky to hookup and unhookup. I wanted "easy" and rated over the towed weight, so I went with our Aluminator. :) But you can also pick up tow bars and brake systems used to save some $$$. Installation isn't rocket science. If you have experience doing your own auto maintenance, it's not too bad of a job. The tow plate and brake system took the better part of a weekend, but it was during hot summer weather and I didn't kill myself working on it.

We tow our Odyssey with our W-22 Workhorse 8.1L gasser with Allison transmission motorhome. Our Odyssey weighs in around 4,400 lbs. without anyone inside. Fully loaded (for a long trip/vacation) our rig weighs in near 21,500 lbs.. So towing the Odyssey we flirt with the 26,000 lb. GVWR on the chassis. We do stay within weight limits and while I can tell it's back there, the rig still does OK pulling around nearly 26,000 lbs.

~Rick

Rick Jay wrote:
Get a 2004. :)

Then you'll need a baseplate, tow bar, safety cables, brake system and lights. Figure $2000-ish. To tow the Odyssey there is a prescribed pre-tow sequence. If you need that, let me know and I'll post that too. Tranny fluid should also be changed at an accelerated interval since the odometer does not record towed miles.

~Rick

I assume with the $2000 figure, you are talking about self-installation? If not, let me know where you can get all that for that price including installation.

What are you pulling the Odyssey with?

Get a 2004. :)

Then you'll need a baseplate, tow bar, safety cables, brake system and lights. Figure $2000-ish. To tow the Odyssey there is a prescribed pre-tow sequence. If you need that, let me know and I'll post that too. Tranny fluid should also be changed at an accelerated interval since the odometer does not record towed miles.

~Rick

Dolly Trailer?