Odyssey Tow Vehicle

[CanoeStream]

If we were facing each other at a rally we would most likely walk away from this in better-sounding agreement. Judy, I have no doubt that you now have a better idea. Yes, Marshall Schwarz seems to have said it all in his post #10.

Nobody has suggested towing a Bambi with a 3/4 ton as far as I have read -- though some said they do tow with that.

Judy, I certainly hope you post again and again -- and find a combo you love!

[Minnie's Mate]

Originally Posted by Canoe stream

Nobody has suggested towing a Bambi with a 3/4 ton as far as I have read -- though some said they do tow with that.

Judy, I certainly hope you post again and again -- and find a combo you love!

I didn't mean to infer that you should get a 3/4 ton tow vehicle for a Bambi. I do know of someone who does tow a vintage Bambi with a 3/4 ton, but I will be the first to say that is overkill unless you have the 3/4 ton first and then decide on the Bambi.

Many have made suggestions for good tow vehicles for a new Bambi that would be a better alternative to the Odessy and I agree with their suggestions. A good used, dedicated tow vehicle is a good suggestion, also. A mid to late '90's Surburban or Expedition would do nicely and prove very useful at other times as well. Perhaps not as a daily driver because of economy, though.

In the end, you and your family will have to make the decision. You asked if anyone was using an Odessy to tow with and so far only one person responded with negative experiences. That should tell you something about the wisdom of it. If you are looking for afirmation about how great it can be and wonderful the economy is with the Odessy, it doesn't look like there is anyone who has had that kind of experience.

Good luck with your decision and hope to see you posting about your purchase of a Bambi in the near future. I think you will love Airstreaming like the rest of us. Tell us of your experience, good or bad.

[1985air345]

As the owner of TWO Honda Odyssey's (2000,2004), I have reviewed my own trailer options. I am not a fan of Pop-ups. There are really only two options.

Argosy Minuet (Late 70's and light weight)
Casita Travel Trailer (small, well built fiberglass units)

TrailerLife did an article a few years ago on the Odyssey/Casita combination. They liked the combination.

This is from the Casita Club.

[G-STREAM]

I tow a 69 Caravel with a 99 Odyssey and here is some other thing that I have experienced

Unlike the Ridgeline which is a small truck, and Odyssey is a really big car (Accord on steroids) They all share many of the parts. I have done a few mods to make my Odyssey more truck like. 1st change (but not necessary) I added Airlift (Firestone Coil rite) helper springs in the back. This has stiffened up the rear end & given it a nice even ride height while towing. I also installed Monroe Reflex shocks & struts which are more of a truck shock than a car. The biggest caution I have is selecting tires. When I switch to my summer tire I had huge wear issues with my ½ worn Goodyears. I tried to find a SUV or truck tire in my size but only one available, so I went with the stiffest car tire I could find. I needed to replace shocks & struts and tire this year, the trailer just made it happen a little sooner than planned.

I love my Odyssey and think it the best vehicle I have ever owned. I may eventually upgrade but for now I feel safe with my combination. I also just installed a new Reese hitch with wt dist bars and will get my Reese Straitline installed this week. Tekonsha P3 controller.

I have towed over 3,000 mile up some big hills & thru some windy area’s and have yet to experience sway. (I do have a friction sway controller installed right now but will be installing a strait line just to be safe)

I also experience a tire blow out on the A/S @ 65MPH and the van kept the trailer strait and came to a smooth safe stop. It sure is a good idea to change your trailer tire when you get a new to you trailer, then you know what you have. Tire separated like a toupee in a windstorm! The only damage was a couple of popped rivets in the belly pan.

[Minnie's Mate]

Congratulations on your new to you Airstream. The Caravels are really popular and quite handsome in their own rights. Glad everything went OK with the blow out. In truth, that is one of my biggest fears...a blow out on the trailer. Not because of handling, but for fear of damage to the trailer's wheel well or belly pan.

Now, let's see some pictures!

[Byteman]

I tow with a 2005 Odyssey. My trailer is a 31' 85 Excella. I have not experienced any of the above mentioned problems with this combo at this time. However, I have less than 2k on it as a tow rig. I have not experienced any of the above mentioned issues at this time