Towing a trailer, Warning – HONDA 2015 Odyssey - Owner's Guide (Revised 09/24/2014) User Manual
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DRIVING
DRIVING
This fi gure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer. Below are the
steps for determining the correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg
or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting fi gure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs. and
there will be fi ve 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400 - 750 (5 x 150)
= 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult the Owner’s Manual on the Owner
(Canada)
to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, accessories,
cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label
on the driver’s doorjamb.
Load Limits Example
Example 1
Max load
1,340 lbs
(608 kg)
Passenger weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs
(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)
Cargo weight
1,040 lbs
(472 kg)
Example 2
Max load
1,340 lbs
(608 kg)
Passenger weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)
Cargo Weight
590 lbs
(268 kg)
Exceeding any load limit or improperly loading your vehicle and trailer can
cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and trailer carefully before starting to driv
e.
WARNING
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. See the Owner’s Manual on the Owner
more information.
Towing Load Limits
Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer, cargo, and
everything in or on it must not exceed 1,500 lbs (680
kg). Towing loads in excess of this can seriously
affect vehicle handling and performance and can
damage the engine and drivetrain.
Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded trailer
on the hitch should be approximately 10% of the
total trailer weight.
• Excessive tongue load reduces front tire traction
and steering control. Too little tongue load can
make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
• To achieve a proper tongue load, start by loading
60% of the load toward the front of the trailer and
40% toward the rear. Readjust the load as needed.
Pre-tow checklist
When preparing to tow, and before driving away, ensure the following:
• The vehicle has been properly serviced, and the suspension and the cooling
system are in good operating condition.
• Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s fi rst 600 miles (1,000 km).
• The trailer has been properly serviced and is in good condition.
• All weights and loads are within limits. Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
• Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale. If a public scale is not
available, add the estimated weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer) and the tongue load.
• The hitch, safety chains, and any other attachments are secure.
• All items in or on the trailer are properly secured and cannot shift while you drive.
Ton gue Loa d
Total load
Tongue load