Forum Discussion

bobmoore's avatar
bobmoore
Explorer
Jul 27, 2013

Anyone towing a 2007 Honda Element with Manual Trans.

I have a 2007 Honda Element with a manual transmission. It's an AWD vehicle. I'd really like to tow it behind my motorhome. It is no longer under warranty so I'm not worried about a warranty claim.

I wonder if anyone is actually towing it and has actual experience to report?

20 Replies

  • I have read my manual where it says, in the EMERGENCY TOWING section, that the vehicle should be towed on a flatbed truck. I'm wondering if that is to prevent towing with two wheels down by a tow truck - rather than to prevent towing 4 down behind a motorhome?
  • Yes Roadmaster makes brackets for Elements up to 2011. And Jersey Jim my AWD Honda CR-V with AT is towable 4 down. Regards, Dick
  • You've picked your choice. Now....find out if anyone makes a base plate for it.
    If not....back to square one...and g'luck!
  • I looked in my MotorHome Dinghy Guides and up to & including 2005 Element 2wd & awd standard trans and AT were towable 4 down. I don't know what Honda changed in 2006 but from then on only the CR-V 2wd & awd were listed as towable. I have a 2013 CR-V awd AT that is towable 4 down. Is there a Element owners group, maybe you could find someone that is towing a model later than 2005. Good Luck

    You may want to check a 2005 owners manual and see what the procedure for 4 down towing is.
  • Getting ready to finally pick up my toad, a 2002 CR-V EX AWD manual transmission. Remco and MH Magazine were all N/A on the 4 down tow. However, with Honda manual in hand it clearly states in the Towing Behind a Motorhome section that 4 down is acceptable. Under Emergency Towing it states either a flat bed tow or if on a sling the remaining two wheels must be on a dolly. I am fully satisfied after reading that.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    JJ - I hear of two AWDs approved for Four Down. Subaru with Manual Transmission, and the Honda CRV. Many tow other Hondas Four Down, but from my understanding Honda only approves the CRV. Most of the other Hondas, and probably most of the CRVs, are 2WD.
    I've wondered for years if the CRV is really different, or if Honda chooses to limit its warranty claim exposure to only one model by saying OK in that owner's manual and NO in all the others.
  • As far as I know, ANY AWD vehicle cannot be towed 4-down. Even on a dolly. All 4 wheels must be off the ground, so you would need a car trailer. (Could be wrong.....)
  • What does the Owners Manual say about recreational towing?
    IMO, "The Book" is the final authority.
  • I have a 2011 Element with auto trans. and getting it ready now to tow . I have talked to people who have no issues towing the Element.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,131 PostsLatest Activity: May 12, 2025