I just left the Honda dealer inquiring about a 2014 CRV. It is my understanding according to these boards and other sources that the 2014 Honda CRV could be towed 4 down.The dealer told me it could not be, and gave me a 2 page write up from Honda that says it can not be towed 4 down for over 50 miles and you must not exceed 35 mph.I was very bummed to say the least.So I decided to download the 2014 Honda CRV owners manual. On page 235 it says you can, and it really does not discern much from the 2WD or AWD. In fact, it says the AWD must be towed 4 down.So the big question is, whet the "he**" did the dealer give me that says you can't.So I am thinking about this and I now have the Honda Owners manual. Turns out he looked up emergency towing. That's on page 340 of the manual.So I am hoping this turns out to be just a good chuckle. Having said that, can any of you confirm you are pulling your 2014 Honda CRV 4 down without problems? And have any of you ever experienced the problem of not be able to shift your transmission or start your car after towing.Thanks, Tom

You & manual are correct. Salesman is wrong.

Unreal..you can't trust anyone these days..you go to the owner's manual..and go from there...you most likely will have to pull a fuse with the electronics..but that's doable.

On the flip side.........since the owner's manual was printed, MAYBE customers have come forward with several problems relating to towing the Honda CR-V and that Honda has issued a retraction of the previous towing information in the owner's manual. I would ask for a copy of what the salesman gave you and see if you can verify any of the information through Honda USA corporate. It is not unusual for any manufacturer to issue changes, TSB's, etc on a vehicle after it has left the factory.

Cracks me up ... I sold cars in the 80's when the company I work for went bust due to no fault of its own. It ended up with all its eggs in one basket not by choice and when that went that was that...So it was a Plan B. thing....I made it my absolute priority to know everything about a product and get manuals and then to be able to answer anyone's questions. I did all my own work, and told people straight and backed up everything with facts and even the finance work, etc. ... Then the 90's recession hit and I went back and finished my degree..It always amazes me when I know more about something then the people I have to get through to get it. and when you know their job better than they do and you have to tell them what hoop to jump through to get it..has to be me.

why even mess with it? why not go for a toad that, without question, can be flat towed?

2014 Honda CRV Toad... Totally Almost Confused...

20 Replies

cKarlGo
Explorer
Jul 28, 2014
I just bought a CR-V as a toad. The process is plainly spelled out in the owner's manual. If you have a nav system, then you need to pull fuse 19.

To avoid pulling the fuse repeatedly, I ordered an aftermarket switch to install which allows me to power off the nav system.
J-Rooster
Explorer
Jul 28, 2014
Pangaea Ron wrote:
Is your 2014 CR-V 2WD or AWD?

I have just returned from towing my 2014 CR-V AWD for over 4,000 miles with 4 wheels down. I am not aware of any difficulties doing that. After running through the gears for a few seconds each, and 3 minutes in neutral and the key in the "1" position, you are good to go. It does say not to tow it over 65 mph.
Thanks for the info Ron! We might buy a 2014 Honda CRV this week thru Costco.
MRUSA
Explorer
Jul 28, 2014
The 2015 CR-V and Fit have CVT's and are NOT towable. That is probably where the salesman got his info, but the 2014's definitely ARE towable.
Sully2
Explorer
Jul 28, 2014
rk911 wrote:
why even mess with it? why not go for a toad that, without question, can be flat towed?

Because they wanted a CRV...just like the wife and I did a few months back
hipower
Explorer
Jul 28, 2014
holstein13 wrote:
The Ford C-max has a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and it can be towed 4 down. Why would a CVT prevent you from towing it 4 down? After all, the transmission isn't engaged when towing anyway. I don't see why a CVT would make any difference at all.

It is a matter of design. Does the transmission being rotated from the output shaft side provide any internal lubrication, or not? If not then an external lube pump may overcome the lack of lubrication while towing.

Usually a transmission will get lubrication based on rotation from the input shaft side, and only minimal or no lubrication from the output side.

Seperate thought, when I was purchasing my Silverado 4x4 and expected to tow it I asked the salesman (also a personal friend) what was the GM recommended procedure for towing? His response was simple, he said: "I know it is done by some of our customers but I've never done it myself. Let's get the owners manual from one and see what it has to say." Five minutes of effort and we both knew exactly what we needed to know. Having spent most of my working career in a technical sales role those types of answers are a much better response than a BS answer that will surely come back to bite you in the a$$. Some sales people just aren't very smart.
holstein13
Explorer
Jul 28, 2014
The Ford C-max has a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and it can be towed 4 down. Why would a CVT prevent you from towing it 4 down? After all, the transmission isn't engaged when towing anyway. I don't see why a CVT would make any difference at all.
JackMS
Explorer
Jul 27, 2014
I was talking with a salesman a few weeks ago about towing a Chevy silverado. He said "you must be able to. They come with tow hooks from the factory" I think a lot of them are taught only how to bs you.
racerchaser
Explorer
Jul 27, 2014
Why ask a salesman in the first place? Do you expect them to know everything about every model on their lot. Do your research and then buy what you want. You asked this forum after the fact. Why not ask up front.
TropicalRV
Explorer
Jul 27, 2014
Car salesmen are traditionally ignorant when it comes to the technical details of their products. You just cannot trust what they say. You've gotta do your homework and check the owners manual.

On a similar subject, I've been told that the 2015 CRVs will not be towable due to a change in the transmission design. Is that true? Guess I will have to hang on to my old one.
Dance_Chick
Explorer
Jul 24, 2014
At the very least I'd find a new salesman and let the dealership GM know why. Too many people anymore doing a half-$$$ed job. Or, better yet, find a new dealership.