Buying a CR-V for a Toad

We just set up our Winnebago Class A gas motorhome to tow our 2014 CRV. Note that the 2015 can no longer be towed 4 down. After researching things (sometimes too much) we set it up as follows:
1. Blue Ox baseplate with the Avail tow bar. We bought this tow bar because it is not supposed to bind when you unhook things.
2. SMI stay and play duo braking system. We purchased that because it is hidden and requires both deceleration and brake lights to be on before it activates. It is also easily adjustable with a thumb switch.
3. Fuse master switch. I am to old to be crawling down on my back looking for a fuse to pull.
4. Wiring from brake system to coach dash so we can easily see if the toad brake is engaged.

All we need to do to tow is:
1. Hook up the tow bar and safety cables
2. Plug in the electrical cord between the motorhome and the front of our baseplate
3. Connect our brake away cable
4. Run through the gears on the CRV in accordance with the owner's manual instructions
For the limited time we have used this hook up, it has worked great and was very easy to connect/disconnect. As a note, our hookup uses the brake and turn signal lights on the CRV so we don't have to use external lights.

Thanks for reply,im surprised that more car dealers such as outback suburus,toyotas ect don't make 4 down towable. Wife has 2013 outback but cant tow it.Wish I had thought about this years ago and bought correct car.

Was a news flash to next door lady. She was told by Honda sales rep that the 2015 CR-V is towable 4 down. It is NOT. You must use a tow dolly or trailer for 2015 Honda CR-V.

pa traveler wrote:
I have been told 2015 crv can not be towed 4 down? What years can be towed 4 down? Willing to go from 2014 and ten years older thanks.

04-14 is OK and even earlier. I have a 04. But always check the manual of any car you may buy.

The 15 tranny was changed.

I have been told 2015 crv can not be towed 4 down? What years can be towed 4 down? Willing to go from 2014 and ten years older thanks.

The CRV makes a great toad and a reliable daily driver. We have driven ours over 140,000km and towed another 70,000km behind two different motorhomes. The only thing we've spent money on so far is oil changes and tires.

We use Blue Ox towing equipment, but there are other good ones. We've never experienced damage of any sort.

Personally, I disregard scare tactics such as the one below. A toad is not a trailer and thus is not subject to the same rules in most states and provinces. There are exceptions, so it pays to be informed. If you are towing close to the limit of your RV, then a braking system may be a wise choice, but the "absolute need" is simply people's OPINION. Nothing more.

CA Traveler wrote:
And yes you absolutely need a braking system. Some will chime in and disagree and good for them. Ask your self should you unfortunately be in court, how can you explain to the judge how you choose to not meet the braking requirements of his state?

stargirl96 wrote:
We have a class c Winnebago and are looking at buying a used Honda CR-V to pull behind. We would like to use this car as a 2nd vehicle when not RVing. My question is: Does a car get some damage when being pulled behind a motorhome? Also, any recommendations on brands of towing equipment to be installed on a CR-V?

To answer your question,
NO! There is NO DAMAGE sustained while towing any toad, THAT IS AUTHORIZED TO BE FLAT TOWED by the manufacturer. At least any form of mechanical damage from drive train or, electrical etc. Now, this does not preclude any from rocks, things thrown at the toad from the rear tires of the coach or, any other road debris that may encounter your toad while towing.

A CRV is a good toad. There's only about a zillion of them being towed by RV folks all over the planet. (sort of) As far as towing equipment, well, that's a matter of choice. Some use Blue Ox, some use Demco, some use Falcon, some use Stow Master and others.

There are some, that have built-in auxiliary braking systems. Night Shift Auto makes one called the Ready Brute Tow bar that, incorporates the "Ready Brake" system right into the tow bar. That's a pretty good system that, has both a brake and a tow bar, all in one package. Just an idea here.

As far as toad lights for towing, there's a whole school of thoughts on those too. Some like to add additional light bulbs and sockets by drilling into the back side of the light housings. Some, like me, like to utilize the stock toad tail light bulbs, as toad lights. Some, like to use "magnetic" lights that may or, may not, damage the toads paint due to the etching while in transit, some make a "light bar" that is stuck into a receiver on the back of the toad.

So, you see, you've got lots to pick from. Good luck.
Scott

Unless you plan on traveling on a lot of unpaved roads you should not have any damage, maybe a chip or two. Been towing things mostly behind Winnies since 1984 and no problems. Now tow a 2013 CRV and it tows great. New 2015 CRVs are not towable, buy a 2014 or older. I purchased a windshield cover for my toad years ago and no longer use it. Dick

While not a CRV, my 2008 Chrysler Town & Country developed several leaks in seals, and it has less than 55,000 miles. It has never been towed. Since it has a lifetime powertrain warranty, the dealer fixed them all for free, but it shows that not all leaks are related to towing.

And towing caused your muffler oxygen sensor to go bad?

Forgot to mention that in Alaska we noticed a small leak in the front crankcase seal. What's with towing a CRV anyway? :@ Only 60K miles and something leaks???