If you tow a 2014 Ford C-Max or 2014 Honda CR-V, which trim level do you tow four-down? We are unexpectedly in the market for a new tow'd vehicle. We've narrowed it down to the 2014 models of Ford C-Max or Honda CR-V. We're doing research and asking questions to service staff (not salesmen), but are still getting conflicting answers on what can be towed four down. Have read about problems with the 2014 C-Max SEL level keyless feature, but don't know if they've been resolved. Anyone towing an SE or SEL four down?Also, we are getting conflicting answers on the 2014 CR-Vs. One dealership says that the regular two-wheel drive can be towed four-down, but NOT the AWD models. Other service department said AWD can be towed four down. Anyone with any first-hand knowledge with either of these two 2014 models?Thanks in advance.

We tow a 2014 AWD Honda CR-V EX-L 4-wheels down without issues.Car and Driver Magazine wrote a review of the CR-V, and said that it's not the sexiest vehicle that you can buy, but it's like buying an electric toothbrush. You know that you should do it.Edit: w/ Automatic transmission

Good to know, thanks. Now we can look into the AWD models. There are many more of those locally than the 2WD EX models.

For the CRV, I believe the AWD Automatic version (2014 and older) are towable 4 down. The new 2015 CRV's have gone with a CVT transmission so....they are not. If you get a CRV, get the 2014.

Yep, we're aware of the change to a CVT and that those are not towable four-down. That's why we are looking at 2014 exclusively on the CR-V's. One salesperson we're dealing with is none-too-happy about it, too, as he says it will cut into his sales.

We tow a keyless 2013 C-Max Energi four down. We looked at both 2013 and 2014 models when we purchased last April. The C-Max was introduced in 2013, and the 2014 models were practically identical, so we went with the better deal!!! The 2014 models are all towable four down. If you decide on the C-Max, I would definitely consider the Energi over the SE or SEL. Having the ability to plug in at home and at campgrounds, has our average just over 140 mpg! Its features are comparable to the SEL, and the Federal tax credit will help pay the difference. :)Our favorite car ever! Would highly recommend!

2014 C-Max and CR-V With Automatic Transmission

31 Replies

jsmart
Explorer
Nov 17, 2014
afrescop wrote:
willald wrote:
afrescop wrote:
jsmart wrote:
afrescop wrote:
Our 2013 C-Max SE has over 41,000 miles since late March, 2013. About 5,000 more miles were added as a toad for our MH. It is a fantastic vehicle even with $1,000 Ford sent me for two decreases in the expected EPA mileage ratings.

Just remember to have a charge line installed between RV and C-Max because after about four hours of towing the car will be dead without a source to keep power going. The brake lights and turn signals work off diodes with no problems.

Does the C-Max odometer continue to rack up miles when towed? I'm having the base plate and wiring done at CW, will get them to put the charge line in also. Thanks for the info.

Be sure that the installer of the charge line connects the line to the battery connection in the junction box!

Thanks for all the help and suggestions. We purchased the blue ox base plate with the blue ox alpha tow bar, rock shield and wiring, having it installed this week. Thinking of purchasing a wind shield cover, there's a lot of windshield on those C-Max's.

Junction box? Maybe the Cmax is diffferent here, but on our Fusion hybrid, I don't believe there is such a junction box?

When I installed the charge line, I found there were battery + and - connections/terminals provided under the hood, for jump starting (battery is in the back). These terminals up front provided a very easy, convenient place to connect the charge line, so thats what I did. Sure was glad I didn't have to run the charge wire all the way to the back where battery was. :)

Either way, it is definitely very important that you install a charge line for towing these Ford hybrids. There are several electrical systems that stay on when you are towing (no real way around it), that will drag the battery down pretty quickly without a charge line. I verified this once with an ammeter, found that there is/was a 3 amp (average) draw on the battery all the time when towing.

The junction box on the C Max is on the right side of the engine when standing facing toward the rear. There are several connections but the one that should be used connects directly to the battery.
afrescopXx
Explorer
Nov 04, 2014
willald wrote:
afrescop wrote:
jsmart wrote:
afrescop wrote:
Our 2013 C-Max SE has over 41,000 miles since late March, 2013. About 5,000 more miles were added as a toad for our MH. It is a fantastic vehicle even with $1,000 Ford sent me for two decreases in the expected EPA mileage ratings.

Just remember to have a charge line installed between RV and C-Max because after about four hours of towing the car will be dead without a source to keep power going. The brake lights and turn signals work off diodes with no problems.

Does the C-Max odometer continue to rack up miles when towed? I'm having the base plate and wiring done at CW, will get them to put the charge line in also. Thanks for the info.

Be sure that the installer of the charge line connects the line to the battery connection in the junction box!

Junction box? Maybe the Cmax is diffferent here, but on our Fusion hybrid, I don't believe there is such a junction box?

When I installed the charge line, I found there were battery + and - connections/terminals provided under the hood, for jump starting (battery is in the back). These terminals up front provided a very easy, convenient place to connect the charge line, so thats what I did. Sure was glad I didn't have to run the charge wire all the way to the back where battery was. :)

Either way, it is definitely very important that you install a charge line for towing these Ford hybrids. There are several electrical systems that stay on when you are towing (no real way around it), that will drag the battery down pretty quickly without a charge line. I verified this once with an ammeter, found that there is/was a 3 amp (average) draw on the battery all the time when towing.

The junction box on the C Max is on the right side of the engine when standing facing toward the rear. There are several connections but the one that should be used connects directly to the battery.
willald
Explorer II
Nov 04, 2014
afrescop wrote:
jsmart wrote:
afrescop wrote:
Our 2013 C-Max SE has over 41,000 miles since late March, 2013. About 5,000 more miles were added as a toad for our MH. It is a fantastic vehicle even with $1,000 Ford sent me for two decreases in the expected EPA mileage ratings.

Just remember to have a charge line installed between RV and C-Max because after about four hours of towing the car will be dead without a source to keep power going. The brake lights and turn signals work off diodes with no problems.

Does the C-Max odometer continue to rack up miles when towed? I'm having the base plate and wiring done at CW, will get them to put the charge line in also. Thanks for the info.

Be sure that the installer of the charge line connects the line to the battery connection in the junction box!

Junction box? Maybe the Cmax is diffferent here, but on our Fusion hybrid, I don't believe there is such a junction box?

When I installed the charge line, I found there were battery + and - connections/terminals provided under the hood, for jump starting (battery is in the back). These terminals up front provided a very easy, convenient place to connect the charge line, so thats what I did. Sure was glad I didn't have to run the charge wire all the way to the back where battery was. :)

Either way, it is definitely very important that you install a charge line for towing these Ford hybrids. There are several electrical systems that stay on when you are towing (no real way around it), that will drag the battery down pretty quickly without a charge line. I verified this once with an ammeter, found that there is/was a 3 amp (average) draw on the battery all the time when towing.
afrescopXx
Explorer
Nov 03, 2014
jsmart wrote:
afrescop wrote:
Our 2013 C-Max SE has over 41,000 miles since late March, 2013. About 5,000 more miles were added as a toad for our MH. It is a fantastic vehicle even with $1,000 Ford sent me for two decreases in the expected EPA mileage ratings.

Just remember to have a charge line installed between RV and C-Max because after about four hours of towing the car will be dead without a source to keep power going. The brake lights and turn signals work off diodes with no problems.

Does the C-Max odometer continue to rack up miles when towed? I'm having the base plate and wiring done at CW, will get them to put the charge line in also. Thanks for the info.

Be sure that the installer of the charge line connects the line to the battery connection in the junction box!
Happily_Retired
Explorer
Nov 02, 2014
No!! Towing mileage does not go on the odometer!!

We also use the Blue Ox base plate with our C-Max.
jsmart
Explorer
Nov 02, 2014
afrescop wrote:
Our 2013 C-Max SE has over 41,000 miles since late March, 2013. About 5,000 more miles were added as a toad for our MH. It is a fantastic vehicle even with $1,000 Ford sent me for two decreases in the expected EPA mileage ratings.

Just remember to have a charge line installed between RV and C-Max because after about four hours of towing the car will be dead without a source to keep power going. The brake lights and turn signals work off diodes with no problems.

Does the C-Max odometer continue to rack up miles when towed? I'm having the base plate and wiring done at CW, will get them to put the charge line in also. Thanks for the info.
wilanddij
Explorer
Nov 02, 2014
jsmart wrote:
Which base plate are those C-Max towers using? Looking at the Blue Ox, Roadmaster and Demco, are there any other brands out there?
I use Blue Ox base plate, mainly because my Aventa II tow bar has given me 10 trouble free years.
GMandJM
Explorer
Nov 01, 2014
Thanks again for all the input.

We've purchased a 2014 CR-V EX AWD to replace our Ford Explorer.

After hearing how much everyone likes their C-Max, we've decided we'll look into the Energi model when we need to replace our Honda Civic Hybrid - which could be any minute now since that car has 180,000 miles on it.
jsmart
Explorer
Nov 01, 2014
Just traded our Jeep Wrangler for a 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid SEL. Loved the Jeep but it was a two door rag top manual. We needed a 4-door that easily towed. After much research, the C-Max looked the best for our needs. Which base plate are those C-Max towers using? Looking at the Blue Ox, Roadmaster and Demco, are there any other brands out there?
afrescopXx
Explorer
Nov 01, 2014
Our 2013 C-Max SE has over 41,000 miles since late March, 2013. About 5,000 more miles were added as a toad for our MH. It is a fantastic vehicle even with $1,000 Ford sent me for two decreases in the expected EPA mileage ratings.

Just remember to have a charge line installed between RV and C-Max because after about four hours of towing the car will be dead without a source to keep power going. The brake lights and turn signals work off diodes with no problems.