Thoughts on next tow vehicle

Bought my 2000 Odyssey used and have found that they did tow a small
PUP. Not external ATF cooler, which says no tow package and my guess
why the automatic didn't last

Curious that Honda touches on a WD Hitch for my Odyssey, but nephew's
Pilot (derived from an Odyssey mini van) says "NO WD Hitch"...his is
newer than mine and that might be it...too many issues with WD?

Then note that the U-Haul receiver the previous owner had installed
says "NO WD"

This is the page on towing metrics vs the number of seat belts used
for my 2000 Odyssey
odysseytow odysseytowmanual odysseymanual

odysseyGVWR odysseyGCWR odysseyATFcooler


Below quote from: 2000 Odyssey auto tranny just went south

benk wrote:

Bought a used 2000 Odyssey with 115K miles on it. Missionary couple and
they just drove it hauling tons of kids on church trips. Bike rack and
a U-Haul 1.75" receiver. Know they had all the seat belts filled and
a dog or two from all of the candy/soda/etc stains & dog hair found
on my first cleaning.

Known weakness is the automatic and they usually go around 100K-120K.

Thought okay, as they know next to nothing mechanic and had it serviced
exactly to the glove box manual service schedule. Have all of the
receipts for Mobil synthetic motor oil

Had it flushed at Jiffy Lube ($79 sale) and was a known gamble on my
part. As know that if they never had it flushed, there is a possibility
of the new solvents loosening something and/or dissolving varnish to
have a valve become loosey goosey

4 months later after that flush and it's now shifting bad and is in the
shop. Mechanic says the majority of Odyssey and Pilot automatics go
around 100K-120K miles and sooner if hauling/towing stuff.

Over at my Suburban/SUV/Truck/Car forum, a well respected member and in the
automotive business confirms this too.

Brother also has a 2000 Odyssey and is now in need of a second rebuild
as he hauls tons inside with a humongo roof rack carrier along with
the bike carrier.

Just a heads up to those who are considering or have an Odyssey or Pilot
that they will tow with. IMHO, these are not meant to tow much more
than a Popup and should be serviced on a regular basis...ONLY Honda ATF
to boot, as my mechanic says using non-Honda shortens its life