1997 Honda Odyssey Owner's Manual - Page 131

Towing a Trailer The best way to confirm that your total towing package is within these specifications is to get it weighed. Load the car and trailer as you normally would while towing, and take them to a public scale. Have them check the total weight and the weight at each axle, then compare the weights to the specifications. Trailer Hitches Your Honda dealer, or the Honda Customer Relations Zone Office, can give you advice on the proper hitch for your car. Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper. The bumper is not designed to handle that type of load. The hitch should bolt to the underbody of the car and distribute the load over a wide area. Always have a trailer hitch installed by a qualified technician. Improperly loading your car and trailer can seriously affect its steering and braking performance, causing a crash in which you can be seriously injured. Check the loading of your car and trailer carefully before starting to drive. NOTICE A trailer hitch that is not adequate for the size of the trailer, or a hitch that is improperly installed, can cause damage to the underside of your car. Driving