Towing Difference between 2000 and 2003 ?

985 Views 16 Replies 10 Participants Last post by caremd99, 12 d ago

IGZO

Discussion Starter · 1 mo ago

I have both a 2000 and a 2003. What exactly is the difference in their build that gives the 03, greater towing capacity over the 2000 ?
I understand I need electrical harness, brake controller, spring assists, class three hitch and cooler.
But what else might be done to the 2000 to give it the 03's towing ability ?

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

HondaGoBrrr

· #2 · 1 mo ago

I have little direct expertise with this generation but let's assume both have a factory Honda trailer hitch installed. They use the same part number with the same capacity. However, the 2000 has a 4 speed auto transmission where the 2003 has a first generation 5 speed auto transmission. The engines are similar but slightly different overall. I take that to mean the engine/transmission combination for 2003 may be more towing capable overall than the 2000.

Reactions: 1

IGZO

Discussion Starter · #3 · 1 mo ago

Thank you for that information. I wasn't aware. Had noticed that the layout is slightly different, and wondered, as I thought they were identical.
Which AT is supposed to be more reliable ? I thought they both were from the problematic generation.
Hope to hear more?

kernel

· #4 · 1 mo ago

IGZO said:
Which AT is supposed to be more reliable ? I thought they both were from the problematic generation.

Yes, this was a problematic generation in regard to the transmissions. There were changes made to the transmission in 2002(?) during the generation refresh which made it a little less problematic. This was also when the rear brakes were changed from drum to disk. Then some more transmission changes mid-2004. Plenty of threads and discussions over this if you search this section.

vquan

· #5 · 1 mo ago

Lots of changes with the 2002 refresh. You can read about the major changes in this newspress:

hondanews.com

2002 Honda Odyssey: Moving to a Higher Standard

With the introduction of the 1999 Odyssey, Honda built a world-class, stylish, performance-oriented minivan capable of uncompromising utility with class leading performance inside and out. The Odyssey became, and continues to be, the ...

hondanews.com

Reactions: 1

WiiMaster

· #6 · 1 mo ago

The 02-04 transmissions were better than the utter garbage 99-01 transmissions but still not great. The 04.5 is the best of the bunch.

IGZO

Discussion Starter · #7 · 1 mo ago

vquan said:
Lots of changes with the 2002 refresh. You can read about the major changes in this newspress:

2002 Honda Odyssey: Moving to a Higher Standard

With the introduction of the 1999 Odyssey, Honda built a world-class, stylish, performance-oriented minivan capable of uncompromising utility with class leading performance inside and out. The Odyssey became, and continues to be, the ...

hondanews.com

WOW! I thought they were the same specs and design. THANK YOU

0dyfamily

· #8 · 1 mo ago

I owned a 2001 EX with the Honda hitch. We still have our 2002 EX, with a Honda hitch. Both had the OEM ATF cooler and PSF cooler.

After selling the 2001, I updated the 2002's ATF cooling loop with a Tru-Cool 4739 and Mocal thermostat.

Both tow well, but you absolutely need upgraded ATF cooling. I've always had a surge hydraulic braking setup on anything really heavy, but that type of system is primitive compared to a real brake controller with electric brakes (or electric on hydraulic).

The 3rd gear on my 2001 EX's 4-speed A/T was a better freeway ratio for towing than the 3rd gear on my 2002 EX's 5-speed A/T.

When I sold the 2001 Ody, I "traded up" to a 2003 EX Ody. I wish I'd kept my 2001. It had tighter handling, and since I mostly drove it in town, the gear ratios were perfect. Again, 3rd gear was a somewhat better freeway ratio while towing.

OF

See less See more

davedrivesody

· #9 · 1 mo ago

0dyfamily said:
The 3rd gear on my 2001 EX's 4-speed A/T was a better freeway ratio for towing than the 3rd gear on my 2002 EX's 5-speed A/T.

4th gear would probably be better for towing with the 5-speed, but alas it's not selectable. So yeah, 3rd is the only option.

I don't tow, but I have often wished I could keep 4th when driving in the mountains. 3rd is too low for highway speed - the engine spins crazy fast - so I reduce to big rig speed and patiently ride it out LOL.

Reactions: 1

caremd99

· #10 · 20 d ago

I think one of the more important factors that allowed an increased towing rating is in post #4. We need torque to move and HP to keep moving but more important is the ability to stop. I think the addition of disc brakes on the rear played a big factor as they have more stopping power.

IGZO

Discussion Starter · #11 · 20 d ago

caremd99 said:
I think one of the more important factors that allowed an increased towing rating is in post #4. We need torque to move and HP to keep moving but more important is the ability to stop. I think the addition of disc brakes on the rear played a big factor as they have more stopping power.

Excellent points. Thank you!

davedrivesody

· #12 · 19 d ago

kernel said:
There were changes made to the transmission in 2002(?) during the generation refresh which made it a little less problematic. This was also when the rear brakes were changed from drum to disk.

Yep, 2002 got a more powerful engine, a major rework of the transmission, rear disc brakes, larger tires, etc.

In spite of all that, the gross combined weight rating increased by a mere 105 pounds (8,265 vs. 8,160).

I think all those changes created a better tow vehicle, but the weak rear suspension remained the limiting factor.

Reactions: 1

Realism22

· #13 · 15 d ago

0dyfamily said:
When I sold the 2001 Ody, I "traded up" to a 2003 EX Ody. I wish I'd kept my 2001. It had tighter handling, and since I mostly drove it in town, the gear ratios were perfect. Again, 3rd gear was a somewhat better freeway ratio while towing.

OF

Isnt basically the only difference a larger anti roll bar and the shock/spring rates go to a salvage yard and get some 1999-2001 and back date like the porsche guys call it

0dyfamily

· #14 · 15 d ago

@Realism22 , you are a mind reader!

I did get myself a 2001 front sway bar a while back .... just haven't installed it in my 2002 EX yet, because you really have to lower the sub-frame more than just lowering it down with the bolts still partially threaded (I tried once).

When I have to do some more maintenance on it in the near future, I'll try again. 😁

OF

Reactions: 1

Realism22

· #15 · 15 d ago

Ahh sounds like quite the job, Ive been told i can be a mind reader sometimes

Just please dont put the all red lens 2001 tailights on it haha

Reactions: 1

Odd Essay

· #16 · 15 d ago

kernel said:
Yes, this was a problematic generation in regard to the transmissions. There were changes made to the transmission in 2002(?) during the generation refresh which made it a little less problematic. This was also when the rear brakes were changed from drum to disk. Then some more transmission changes mid-2004. Plenty of threads and discussions over this if you search this section.

2002 has a ENHANCED DVD system!

caremd99

· #17 · 12 d ago

davedrivesody said:
Yep, 2002 got a more powerful engine, a major rework of the transmission, rear disc brakes, larger tires, etc.

In spite of all that, the gross combined weight rating increased by a mere 105 pounds (8,265 vs. 8,160).

I think all those changes created a better tow vehicle, but the weak rear suspension remained the limiting factor.

Air Lift 1000s made a huge difference…and they are still strong after 20 years.

Reactions: 1

1 - 17 of 17 Posts