Question about towing a '99 Epic 22

[Northwoods]

I'm thinking about buying a '99 Epic 22, but I've got questions about towing the boat.  We've got a '00 Honda Odyssey van with a V-6 Automatic.  According to the Odyssey owner's manual when the van is loaded with 3 adult occupants, you can pull a 3,350 lb. trailer.  Based upon what I've seen on the internet, the dry weight of the 22 is 2,800 lbs.  I'm figuring that gas, oil, etc. could add another 200 lbs. for a total of approx. 3,000 lbs.

If we buy it, we will be towing it through the midwest in an area that has rolling hills, but none of the mountains that I've read about in other postings.  We might take it on journeys up to 400 miles.

Does anyone know what a single axle trailer weighs?  Do you think the Odyssey can handle this?  I'm not really thinking of replacing the van at this time and I don't want to damage the van.

Thanks for your feedback!

[breakawaydaze]

The Odyssey can handle the Boat and trailer as long as it is equipped properly.  Honda has a towing package for the van and it is pretty expensive, approx $1200.00.  The reason for the expense is the package includes the trailer hitch and a transmission cooler.  What year is your Odyssey?  The current Odyssey Model is under a recall campaign for transmission inspection.  You should receive a message soon.  The dealer will inspect your transmission and deem whether it needs a revised tranny fluid jet for cooling or a new transmission.  Before you start hauling, you need to have this done first.  The engine in the Odyssey is more than enough to pull your boat, it is the transmission that is a concern.  Do not just throw a hitch on the back and hope for the best!  You must have the transmission cooler to effectively do the job.  Your only other problem is tonge weight.   The rear suspension on the Odyssey can handle itself fine,  but if you load up the rear of the van and then the weight of the trailer, you could be facing alot of sag which really affects handling,  watch your loads and hitch ball load and you should be fine!

[Bitzco]

I tow my Epic SX which weighs quite a bit more than an X-22 with my Honda Pilot. Same engine as the Odyssey, but different suspension. It does great, but I have the tow package with the transmission and steering coolers. You really can't tow with the Honda's without this package. The tow package is a lot cheaper than a new vehicle.

[phenom_1819]

I know nothing about the Honda, but this seems excessive to me...?  Also, the load figures on the trailer are incorrect -- the X22's are roughly 3100 lbs by themselves, trailer is somewhere around 1000 lbs.  Add everything you would ever run around in your boat (equipment, gas, coolers, bags in the car or boat, tents, everything...).  I know in my boat, when I take it on camping trips, tow weight is more like 5,000 lbs, but I pack a lot of gear.   I also have the dual axle trailer. Seems like if you were to do this, that would be essential to handle some of the load.

[Northwoods]

The boat I'm looking at is a plain ol' Epic 22, as opposed to an X-22, so I think it is a bit lighter.  Thanks for the heads up on the transmission cooler, etc.  

1,000 lbs. is more than I expected the trailer to weigh.  Do you think the single axle trailer runs 1,000 lbs?  What's the towing capacity on your Honda Pilot?

[breakawaydaze]

I have no idea what the trailer weighs, but have you received your recall notice from Honda regarding your transmission?  If you are the original owner, you probably should have received it by now.  If you have not, you might want to give your dealer a call to schedule the inspection.  Do you already have the Honda towing package installed?

[Bitzco]

With the tow package, the Honda Pilot will do 4500 pounds.

[toyotafreak]

We so need to weigh our rigs. Only way to be sure. Ameritrail says that the Toys were much heavier than advertised.

[phenom_1819]

Anybody want to run their boat to the dump/transfer station?  Or run their trailer through a truck weigh station?