Does the Honda Odyssey come with a tow package?

No—Honda does not ship the Odyssey with a factory tow package as standard. However, a dealer-installed Honda Genuine Accessories towing setup is widely available, and when properly equipped the Odyssey is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds with a 350-pound tongue weight. Below is how the package works, what it typically includes, and what owners should know before towing.

What Honda includes from the factory

Every current-generation Honda Odyssey is built to accept towing hardware, but none leave the factory with a hitch and wiring installed. Instead, Honda offers a dealer-installed accessory solution designed to integrate with the van’s existing electrical and cooling systems. Most recent model years are prepped with provisions for a plug-in wiring harness and space for the necessary cooling hardware.

What the dealer-installed towing package typically includes

Honda’s accessory solution is modular, so dealers may itemize components rather than sell a single boxed “tow package.” The core parts below are what most owners end up with to achieve the full rated capacity.

• 2-inch receiver hitch (Honda Genuine), rated up to 3,500 lbs trailer weight and 350 lbs tongue weight
• Trailer wiring harness with a 7-pin connector; a 4-pin adapter is usually available if needed
• Transmission fluid cooler or related hardware as specified for the model year to meet the maximum rating
• Ball mount and hitch ball (sold separately in appropriate sizes)
• Brake-controller pigtail/adapter under the dash to integrate an electric trailer brake controller (controller itself is sold separately)
• On trims with a hands-free power tailgate, a sensor relocation or compatibility kit so the foot-activation still functions with a hitch installed

Dealers can tailor the package to your trailer and usage. The exact mix and part numbers vary by year and trim, but the end result is a fully integrated setup that supports the Odyssey’s published tow rating.

Towing capacity and key limits

When equipped with the Honda accessory hitch, wiring, and the year-specific cooling hardware, the Odyssey’s tow rating is up to 3,500 pounds. The hitch’s tongue-weight limit is typically 350 pounds. As with any vehicle, payload from passengers and cargo counts toward overall limits and can reduce how much you should tow safely.

The following points summarize the practical limits and recommendations owners encounter most often.

• Maximum trailer weight: up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped
• Maximum tongue weight: about 350 lbs with the Honda 2-inch receiver
• Break-in: Honda generally advises avoiding towing for the first ~600 miles (about 1,000 km)
• Brakes: Trailers approaching the upper end of the rating typically need their own brakes; a brake controller is recommended/required by law in many regions
• Load management: Added passengers and cargo reduce the safe trailer weight; distribute weight to keep tongue load within spec

Always verify figures in your specific model year’s owner’s manual, as requirements for cooling hardware and brake equipment can vary and local laws may impose additional rules.

How to tell if your Odyssey already has the tow setup

Many used Odysseys are sold with towing hardware already fitted. A quick check can confirm whether yours is ready to tow at the rated capacity.

• Look under the rear bumper for a 2-inch receiver hitch and a 7-pin trailer socket near the left or right side
• Peek through the lower grille for an auxiliary transmission cooler (varies by year and kit)
• Check under the driver’s side dash for a capped connector intended for a brake controller
• Ask a dealer to run your VIN for accessory installation history or inspect for Honda accessory part numbers

If any of these items are missing—especially the wiring and cooling hardware—you may not have the full setup required for the 3,500-pound rating.

Costs, installation, and warranty considerations

Pricing varies by dealer and region, but owners typically see a parts-and-labor range in the low four figures for a complete Honda Genuine setup. Aftermarket hitches and wiring can cost less, but the Honda kit is engineered to work with the Odyssey’s electrical system, driver-assist sensors, and (where applicable) the hands-free tailgate. Using Honda Genuine Accessories also simplifies warranty support for related components; aftermarket parts don’t inherently void the vehicle warranty, but failures traced to non-Honda parts may not be covered.

Model-year nuances worth noting

Across recent model years, the Odyssey’s published tow rating has remained up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, but the exact list of required parts has shifted with powertrain updates. Earlier generations needed both transmission and steering-fluid coolers; later generations switched to electric power steering and revised transmission cooling. For 2018–2020 models, Honda specified an auxiliary transmission-fluid cooler with the hitch and harness to reach the full rating. From 2021 onward, all trims use the 10‑speed automatic; Honda’s accessory kit continues to supply the hitch, wiring, and any cooling hardware Honda specifies for the year. Your owner’s manual and dealer parts catalog are the definitive guides for what your specific van requires.

Bottom line

The Honda Odyssey does not include a tow package from the factory, but a comprehensive, dealer-installed Honda accessory setup is readily available. With the correct hitch, wiring, and required cooling components in place, the Odyssey is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Summary

Honda sells the Odyssey without a standard tow package; instead, dealers install a Honda Genuine hitch, wiring, and any required cooling hardware to achieve the van’s full 3,500-pound rating. Verify what your specific model year needs, confirm whether your van already has the parts installed, and ensure your trailer and brake setup comply with local laws and Honda’s specifications.

What is included in the Honda Odyssey towing package?

Among the available Honda Odyssey tow hitch components are:

• Trailer Hitch Receiver: Includes a ball mount receiver, retaining pin, and clip.
• Trailer Hitch Harness: Includes a 7 Pin round-style connector.
• Trailer Hitch Locking Pin: Provides added security.
• Trailer Hitch Ball: Available in 17/8-inch or 2-inch.

What minivan has a tow package?

Yes, minivans can come equipped with a tow package, enabling them to tow light trailers, boats, or small campers, typically with a maximum capacity of 3,500 to 3,600 pounds. Popular minivans with towing capability include the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, and Chrysler Pacifica. When shopping for a towing-friendly minivan, ensure it has the tow package, check the owner’s manual for the specific tow rating, and consider adding airbags for improved stability. 
Key Minivans for Towing

• Toyota Sienna: A popular choice for minivan towing, with a 3,500-pound capacity. 
• Honda Odyssey: Offers a 3,500-pound towing capacity, making it suitable for small campers or a light boat. 
• Kia Carnival: Another option with a 3,500-pound towing capacity. 
• Chrysler Pacifica: Can tow up to 3,600 pounds. 
• Dodge Grand Caravan: Has a maximum towing capacity of 3,600 pounds and is often a good value on the used market. 

What to Look for When Buying 

• Check the Tow Rating: Always verify the maximum towing capacity listed in the vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
• Tow Package: Look for a minivan that already has a tow package, which includes the necessary components.
• Rear Suspension: Consider adding airbags to the rear suspension for better stability and to prevent the vehicle from sagging when towing.

Important Considerations

• Light Loads Only: Minivans are not designed for heavy loads. They are suitable for light trailers, canoes, kayaks, or small boats. 
• Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): The GTW (trailer’s weight plus cargo and liquids) should never exceed the vehicle’s specified towing capacity. 
• Stability: While minivans offer a long wheelbase for good stability, they generally don’t have the same low center of gravity or heavy-duty components as trucks or SUVs, so be mindful of the load. 

Does the Honda Odyssey have a tow hitch?

Yes, the Honda Odyssey can be equipped with a tow hitch. While it doesn’t always come standard, many Odyssey models, especially those from 2018 onwards, can be fitted with an aftermarket tow hitch, allowing for towing. The hitch receiver typically has a 2-inch opening, allowing for accessories like bike racks and cargo carriers, in addition to trailers. 
Key points about towing with a Honda Odyssey:

• Towing Capacity: The Honda Odyssey generally has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This capacity is consistent across different trims of the 2024 model, according to Brown Honda of San Angelo. 
• Optional Feature: Some Odyssey models may come with a factory-installed tow hitch and towing package, but many do not. 
• Aftermarket Options: If your Odyssey doesn’t have a hitch, you can purchase and install a custom-fit option from companies like CURT or DRAW-TITE. 
• Installation: U-Haul provides installation services and detailed instructions for installing a trailer hitch on Honda Odysseys. 
• Safety Features: The Honda Odyssey has various safety features, such as Hill Start Assist and Intelligent Traction Management, that are beneficial for towing. 

What year to stay away from Honda Odyssey?

Used Honda Odyssey Model Years to Avoid
Due to possible transmission and engine issues, we’d avoid the 2011-2013 and 2018-2020 vans. If you’re looking at a third-generation or older Odyssey, we suggest you run it by a trusted mechanic first.