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Old 10-23-2013, 01:11 PM   #21
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Our dealer installed the hitch and IIRC it has a 500 lb rating and he does use equalizers.
Yes.. the hitches for the Odyseey max out at 350, but they go up to 500lbs with weight distribution. Honda does not "recommend" WDH's but I'm starting to gather it is a good option if done right. The manual explains that weight distribution can be dangerous if not setup correctly. No other explanation is given. Nice to know I have options.
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Old 10-23-2013, 06:43 PM   #22
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I dont think I would tow something that size with a fwd mini-van. Sound like its really going to be pushing it on the tow/weight ratings.
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Old 10-25-2013, 12:19 AM   #23
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I towed a Cub 160 with a 2006 Odyssey with the factory installed trailer package, pulled really well. I used a WDH, and honestly would not want to tow without it as the back of the van did squat significantly without it. Power was more than sufficient, it handled quite well, and no problem stopping with the aid of the trailer brakes. Of course the camper pulled better behind a 1/2 ton, but I would not hesitate to tow with the van. (my Cub 160 weighed in at closer to 3,800 lbs) FYI, the Odyssey proved to be a much more stable tow vehicle than the Saturn Vue it replaced. (Odyssey and Vue both had the 3.5 Honda engine, but I think the van had a longer wheelbase)
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Old 10-31-2013, 12:20 PM   #24
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I have a 17C Ex-Port towing with a Toyota Sienna. I've only had it for the end of the season but I've gone on two fairly long trips without issue. I have a Curt WDC with no stabilizer bar. I haven't had even a hint of instability on the highway or up grades.
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Old 11-03-2013, 09:35 AM   #25
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TheTick--The one big problem with going over your tv towing limits is, god for bid, you are the cause of an accident and your ins co. is about to be sued they can and will throw "you under the bus". just an fyi Larry
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Old 11-03-2013, 09:48 AM   #26
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TheTick--The one big problem with going over your tv towing limits is, god for bid, you are the cause of an accident and your ins co. is about to be sued they can and will throw "you under the bus". just an fyi Larry
This is always brought up, but is it true? Can you identify one instance of an insurance company absolving themselves of liability because someone was exceeding Mfg weight limits and caused an accident?

On the other hand I can identify several examples of insurance companies paying claims resulting in the driving breaking various laws; Speeding, DWI, Injured parties not wearing seatbelts, etc.
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Old 11-03-2013, 02:19 PM   #27
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Anyone towing with a Mini Van?

I'd like to see proof of this also. Just 1 or 2. With enough info so as to rule out me thinking "there is more to the story".
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Old 11-03-2013, 09:06 PM   #28
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The following JOF thread touched on the liability/legal issues when exceeding a manufacturer's specified weight ratings......, "Law of Negligence": http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...ght=negligence

I apologize to the OP for drifting off topic.

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Old 11-04-2013, 10:30 AM   #29
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This is always brought up, but is it true? Can you identify one instance of an insurance company absolving themselves of liability because someone was exceeding Mfg weight limits and caused an accident?
How would we know? This is a civil matter. Most civil suits are settled out of court and not part of public record. Insurance companies want to keep them out of court because then the record of settlement and liability is kept private.

Keep in mind that in civil matters its not a decision of breaking the law (guilt or innocence), its simply proving a reasonable possibility of negligence . If an injury attorney can prove that the defendant went over manufacture's recommended towing limits, how do you think a jury would find? Insurance companies don't want a jury involved on cases like this so they will either settle up in a hurry or drop the coverage. I suppose one would really have to read the fine print of their policy and/or consult an attorney to make a determination. I doubt any of us here are are qualified to answer this definitively.

Also realize that plaintiffs can sue for more than you may be insured for. So even if your insurance co. backs you up, you may be liable for far more money than you can come up with.

While I don't dismiss the ability of a mini-van or other small vehicle to tow beyond its rated capacity, for the reasons I cited above, do you really want to find yourself in that situation?
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Old 11-04-2013, 11:52 AM   #30
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I just thought someone would have direct experience with an insurance company not covering an accident caused by someone exceeding TV weight limits, that's all. I don't expect someone to pull the transcript of a case. As often as the statement is made here and other forums, I thought certainly someone would have first hand experience with an insurance company denying a claim.

That said, I don't support anyone intentionally or unintentionally exceeding published limits, however these forums are full of FUD and unill someone steps up and says it happened to them, I don't think it should be tossed around with such "Matter of Fact"
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Old 11-04-2013, 02:25 PM   #31
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That said, I don't support anyone intentionally or unintentionally exceeding published limits, however these forums are full of FUD and unill someone steps up and says it happened to them, I don't think it should be tossed around with such "Matter of Fact"
I agree. That's why I qualified my comments with consulting the insurance policy or an attorney. The reason I say that is because what I do know "matter of fact" is that none of this is cut and dry even if it is in writing. We want it in black and white. But that's not reality. We live in a highly litigious society. Even if someone says it happened to them, the odds of that experience applying to everyone is close to nil. That's why I laugh when someone says that mini-vans and such are over engineered and "I'm not breaking the law". So what? There's far more to it than the letter of the law and bolting on some mods to tow over the manufacturers limit.

I'm betting the "highly respected professionals that will setup your TV to pull twice as much as it's rating" make you sign a waver before you leave their lot.
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Old 11-04-2013, 05:52 PM   #32
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The insurance company usually will pay the claim even in cases of negligence such as dramatically overweight situations, DUI, Texting, etc. However, they most likely will cancel your policy and list the reason in the CLUE report (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange). That will mean that it would be very difficult to obtain replacement full coverage insurance. You can get "Assigned Risk" insurance from your state's assigned risk pool however usually those policies are liability only not full coverage you would need assuming you have a loan. The big legal liability is in court if your policy limits are exceeded. You can lose everything you own and be either forced into bankruptcy or have your wages garnished to pay a sizable judgment. There is a reasonable variability here, if you are within 10% of your manufacturer's ratings then you probably won't have any legal problems as it could be construed as "reasonable" however if you are 100% over the manufacturer's ratings then usually that would be considered to be negligent. The other liability issue has to do with criminal liability. You can be prosecuted for criminal negligent driving depending on the circumstances. I recommend staying within reason of the manufacturer's weight ratings.
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Old 11-05-2013, 03:49 AM   #33
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We towed a Forrest River 21ft hybrid that was 2500 dry weight, with a Toyota Sienna. We bought a model with a towing package that had a beefed up transmission. We went through the Canadian Rocky mountains with no problems. We tried to keep the weight down as low as possible in terms of gear. We did use a weight distributing hitch because it came with the trailer, so we had the van done to fit the existing set up. The main issue IMO is the transmission... ours was fine, but we were careful and watched things closely.
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Old 11-05-2013, 05:55 AM   #34
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We towed a Forrest River 21ft hybrid that was 2500 dry weight, with a Toyota Sienna. We bought a model with a towing package that had a beefed up transmission. We went through the Canadian Rocky mountains with no problems. We tried to keep the weight down as low as possible in terms of gear. We did use a weight distributing hitch because it came with the trailer, so we had the van done to fit the existing set up. The main issue IMO is the transmission... ours was fine, but we were careful and watched things closely.
(Back on track - thank you)
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Old 11-05-2013, 12:06 PM   #35
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Wow.. thanks for all the input everyone. The liability debates get much uglier in other forums. So happy to be part of the Jayco community instead. It seems there is zero evidence or even heresay about anyone getting sued for towing over capacity, but DocBrown makes a good point. This stuff is not cut and dry so I'll make sure to keep it all within the limits. I'm more worried about the safety of my family and others on the road.

I'm learning that they Odyssey with it's low center of gravity, wide stance, good rear suspension and short overhang will make for a fine TV. Todays mini vans are far superior to the vans from the 70-80's which had similar tow ratings with terrible tires, brakes, suspension etc... I'm feeling much better about my purchase now. Thanks to everyone here for giving me a better understanding of what I need to do to be safe.

I'll be picking it up this week so I'll report back after the drive home. Still not sure if I'll need the WD hitch, but I'm sure I can rely on the experts here for good advice.
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Old 11-05-2013, 04:35 PM   #36
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I checked out the Ody forum and towing doesn't seem to be as prevalent as with the Sienna's. The Sienna forum has some absolutely crazy looking setups and a lot of advice that's unfortunately specific to the Sienna.

Example:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/blog...-trailer-1462/
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Old 11-07-2013, 11:51 AM   #37
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Picked up my trailer yesterday. Got home late and it's parked at my mother in laws house so I won't have pics for a while. I've never towed anything before, so I was nervous when I took it off the lot. I got comfortable quickly as the Odyssey seemed to handle just fine. Plenty of power merging on to the freeway. The only time I really felt anything was on certain parts of the highway that were bumpy at equal intervals. The trailer would push and pull the van in unison with the bumps. Is this ok? It went away as soon as the road smoothed out. Drove 71 uneventful miles mostly on flat ground and half the time in stop and go traffic. Got 14.9 MPH which I'm pretty happy about.

I measured the rear suspension sag at 1-1/4". Looking at it from the side, there is a squat but not that bad. Is this acceptable? I'll get pics as soon as I can.
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Old 11-07-2013, 11:55 AM   #38
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I checked out the Ody forum and towing doesn't seem to be as prevalent as with the Sienna's. The Sienna forum has some absolutely crazy looking setups and a lot of advice that's unfortunately specific to the Sienna.

Example:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/blog...-trailer-1462/
Those Airstream guys are crazy! There are people there towing 7000 to 8000lb trailers with the Odyssey all over the county, but the Sienna seems to be more popular for some reason. But it did give me more confidence in towing up to the rated limits on my setup. After my first drive home yesterday, I'm feeling great about it.
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Old 11-07-2013, 12:11 PM   #39
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snip......I measured the rear suspension sag at 1-1/4". Looking at it from the side, there is a squat but not that bad. Is this acceptable?.....snip
What's more important is what's happening with the front suspension(?). Any rise (from unhitched height) in the front suspension means that weight is being removed and could compromise vehicle handling characteristics.

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Old 11-07-2013, 06:29 PM   #40
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What's more important is what's happening with the front suspension(?). Any rise (from unhitched height) in the front suspension means that weight is being removed and could compromise vehicle handling characteristics.

Bob

I remember reading that I was supposed to measure the front as well. Forgot to do that... I'll have to measure when I get the chance. So is there an acceptable range? The techs at the Service center said it looked fine, but I trust the opinions here much more.
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