Renting a tow vehicle?

[CampinCarol]

We have towed our pop up with our Honda Odyssey minivan, but I really think its too big.  Last year while towing from NJ to the Adirondacks our transmission light went off.   We are planning the same trip this year and I am really afraid of trying to do it with our van.  DH suggested renting a car for all the gear and people and he would tow the camper with our van.  I'm wondering if its possible to rent a vehicle that would take all of us and the camper.

In reality, I think we just need to bite the bullet and buy a tow vehicle, but thats not going to happen any time soon.

Thanks!
Carol

[Recumbentman]

I'm wondering if its possible to rent a vehicle that would take all of us and the camper.

I can not see this happening. I know of no company that rents a car or van that would have a tow hitch on it, let alone be pre-wired for a break controller. sounds like your husband has the best solution until you get a better TV.

Good Luck

[surffishjimmy]

Hi Carol.  Did you take your Odyssey to Honda for them to determine what the issue was?   I have a 2006 Pilot that I have no problems towing my PUP with and it is pushing 3,000 lbs.   I know that I bought the tow package from Honda and it includes a transmission cooler and Power steering cooler.   Make sure that you have the same.  I would also make sure that you are within your GVCWR for the Odyssey.   I had my complete setup weighed at a CAT weigh station for something like $8 to make sure that I was within the limit.   As far as renting I am not sure if anyone rents vehicles with tow packages.   You might just have to call around.

Best of luck.

[OC Campers]

A few years ago, right before the camping season started, my tow vehicle was severly damaged in an accident.  We had a trip planned the next week and the kids were really sad that it might have to be canceled.  I looked everywhere for a tow vehicle rent and nobody wanted the liability.  Even U-haul wouldn't help us.

I hope you have better luck than we did.  My van was out of commission for the whole summer season.

Jacqui

[Dray]

Your right to be nervous.  With the tranny light coming on and all.  Odysseys are known to have weak tranny's.  I know..I have one and have done the research.  They just weren't built for this kind of thing.  

You may want to do a google search or call the dealer about possible recalls.  For some years Honda did something wrong and you could possibly get a new tranny for free.  Look on odyclub.com for more.  

If you do end up buying a new tow vehicle at least you'll probably get a good deal.  I can't believe the deals on new trucks right now.  

Good luck.

[CampinCarol]

Thanks All!  

It is as I suspected.  I think I really need to convince dh that we can afford a new (used) TV before we leave for the 'dacks.  Dreaming of this annual trip gets me through the darkest days of winter.  I would hate to have it ruined by killing our car.  

We did take it to a dealer who said we needed a whole new transmission.  The cost was going to be more than the trade in value on the van.  Its an '02 which are notorious for transmission problems.  We do have the tow package, cooling and brake assist, but the trailer is 3500 lbs unloaded when you add our gear, dh, me and our boys I'm sure we are way over the weight limit.

We are started to really need a 2nd car anyway, so I'm thinking a used suburban.  DH wants a "church van" ie. 12 passenger cargo van.   Any thoughts.

Thanks!

[rsgault]

Yes, You are correct that the transmissions in 02 Odysseys do have a high failure rate.  I work for a dealer and we replace many on those models.  My suggestion would be depending on the mileage that you have and if you can show service history I would call Honda Customer Service and complain.  There is a good chance that they may deal with you and possibly split the cost of repairs with you.  If you throw in the old "I love my Honda but I might just have to go with a Toyota" sometimes works in your favor.

[wavery]

Thanks All!  

It is as I suspected.  I think I really need to convince dh that we can afford a new (used) TV before we leave for the 'dacks.  Dreaming of this annual trip gets me through the darkest days of winter.  I would hate to have it ruined by killing our car.  

We did take it to a dealer who said we needed a whole new transmission.  The cost was going to be more than the trade in value on the van.  Its an '02 which are notorious for transmission problems.  We do have the tow package, cooling and brake assist, but the trailer is 3500 lbs unloaded when you add our gear, dh, me and our boys I'm sure we are way over the weight limit.

We are started to really need a 2nd car anyway, so I'm thinking a used suburban.  DH wants a "church van" ie. 12 passenger cargo van.   Any thoughts.

Thanks!

Take a look at the Chevy, AstroVan (pre-2005). They have some pretty good stats:

------From Cars.com--------------------
Curb weight   4,309 lbs.  
GVWR   5,900 lbs.  
Front GAWR   2,800 lbs.  
Rear GAWR   3,100 lbs.  
Payload   1,591 lbs.  
Front axle capacity   2,800 lbs.  
Front spring rating   3,100 lbs.  
Towing capacity   5,400 lbs.  
GCWR   10,000 lbs.
----------------------------------------

2005 the #s drop some-what.

[campingeyedoc]

We had 3 different Astro/ Safari's with good towing and people/gear capacity.