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How to Modify Your Odyssey Minivan for Long Road Trips

Date: August 27th, 2020

A family loading a cooler into a 2021 Honda Odyssey
Our “new normal” has forced many travelers to find novel ways to vacation while following social-distancing guidelines. A study of respondents in Chicago showed that, even after the pandemic ends, many plan to shun air travel because they no longer feel safe or comfortable sharing close spaces with strangers.

But the idea of using your vehicle as more than transportation is actually not as new as you may think. “Van life” has been growing in popularity for the last few years, as many people of all ages and walks of life have decided to upgrade their vans to accommodate long-term travel and even become temporary living areas. The advantages of van life are extensive: it’s cheap, you get to see the world, it gives you more freedom to choose travel plans and, of course, it simplifies life.

Here are some common ways people are modifying their Honda Odysseys (and other minivans) to embrace life on the road.

Get organized.

The first step to get your van ready for travel is getting organized. Otherwise, you won’t be able to fit, let alone have access to, every important item you’ll need on your trip.

A cargo management solution is key. For instance, the Honda Odyssey offers some great accessories and solutions for organization, including:

Cargo Bins

Honda-Odyssey-cargo-bins

Cargo bins can be added into the wheel wells behind the rear seats. Add two large storage bins in the back of your Odyssey to stay even more organized.

Cargo Net

To keep loose or small items secure and undamaged, consider adding an affordable cargo net to the back of the van.

Cargo Tray

Honda-Odyssey-cargo-tray

If you plan on hiking or camping, you’re bound to get some mud on your boots. A washable cargo tray will not only keep all your gear accessible, but it will also ensure you don’t distribute that crud all over the upholstery.

Utility Trash Bin

Honda-Odyssey-trash-bin

When you’re traveling a long way, every inch counts. The utility trash bin fits in the center console, is easy to clean, and ensures you don’t toss that paper straw wrapper on the floor.

Upgrade your big-item storage.

Even if you have world-class organization skills, you may see a need to utilize some extra storage options for larger items – depending on the length of your travel and how many people will be traveling together. Here are some great solutions for adding storage.

Roof Basket

Honda-Odyssey-roof-basket

A minivan roof basket is the minimalist’s preference. The low-profile Odyssey roof basket holds up to 150 lbs., and the additional stretch net helps you keep your cargo in place for any length of journey.

Roof Box

Honda-Odyssey-roof-box

A storage box on top is the easy answer for carrying bulky items. Odyssey’s short roof box provides 13 cu. ft. of space, while the midsize box offers 16 cu. ft. Both minivan accessories can provide plenty of storage depending on your specific needs, and they’re also lockable, easy to access, and impact- and UV-resistant.

Be prepared for any activity.

Ski in the moutains, kayak in the lake, and surf the ocean – one of the best parts about traveling is experiencing the places you visit, right? Fortunately, the Honda Odyssey has the perfect solution to accommodate your favorite activity.

Surfboard attachment

Honda-Odyssey-surfboard

Your surfboard is safe and secure with this Odyssey minivan roof accessory. Its telescoping design allows you to haul boards up to 34 in. wide. It even accomodates up to two boards with its strong, durable load straps and adjustable padding.

Bike Attachment

Honda-bike-rack

Bringing your bike along shouldn’t be a chore. The Odyssey fork mount and frame mount (pictured) bicycle attachments each carry two bikes and are lockable with keys.

Kayak Attachment

Honda-Odyssey-kayak

This attachment enables you bring along any kayak up to 36 in. wide and up to 75 lbs. Its 15-foot straps and tie-down kit allow you to secure the kayak easily, while two independent pivoting saddles conform to a limitless range of hull shapes.

Ski/Snowboard Attachment

Honda-Ski-Rack

Headed up the Rockies for a ski trip? Help your skis and snowboards stay clean and dry with this lockable Odyssey attachment. It holds six pairs of skis or four snowboards securely, and oversized push buttons make it easy to open and close, even with gloves on.

Add a sleeping area.

There’s a super-easy solution for camping with the Honda Odyssey: a tent that extends from the minivan’s cargo area. Open the hatch and you now have all your supplies with you in the tent – no more walking back to the car for gear.

Honda-Odyssey-tent

The tent for the Honda Odyssey is 10×10 ft. and sleeps 6 people. The 6×6-foot rainfly keeps you dry and extends the amount of usable space, too.

If you plan to sleep in your vehicle, you may also want to consider screens for your windows, especially when traveling in the hotter months. This will keep mosquitoes and other bugs out while also allowing you to enjoy the fresh air.

Need a Honda Odyssey Van Accessory in Denver?

How will you modify your van for extended travel? We’re here to help you review your options and answer any questions. Contact or visit our Honda dealership near Denver to order and have your OEM Honda accessories installed on your Odyssey – or to buy an all-new 2021 Odyssey. Call Kuni Honda on Arapahoe at 866-983-3742 to speak with someone from our Honda parts department. We serve the entire Denver region, including Parker, Littleton, and Aurora. Safe travels!

Dealership Info

Phone Numbers:Sales Hours:
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  • Sat9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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Service Hours:
  • Mon7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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  • Tue - Sat7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Parts Hours:
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Body Shop & Collision Repair Hours:
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Holman Honda Centennial 39.594077, -104.862858.