Honda abandons Dinghy market? maybe not!

kalynzoo wrote:
It is my assumption (possibly incorrect) that if the car is not in the towable guide, and the consumer handbook does not say it is towable, then any claim regarding the drive train might be denied when the towbar hitch is spotted.

I don't think anything in the towable guide or a consumer handbook would play a role in whether or not a drive train warranty claim would be denied or not. The manufacturers didn't write, endorse that towable guide or consumer handbook, why would they go by it?

What DOES matter, and is the final say on the matter, will be the owner's manual or other documentation provided by the manufacturer for the specific vehicle involved. If it says you can flat tow, you're good, and can do so with full factory support (assuming you follow the guidelines it provides for such). If not, you may well still be able to flat tow in some cases, but you do so with the potential risk that warranty claims can be denied if something breaks.

Based on the history or auto sales, when I purchase my next toad (soon) I will insist that the dealer write into the sales contract that the vehicle will be used as a towed vehicle behind a motorhome. That way, if the manufacturer changes the listing at a later date, I still have possible recourse.
Just thinking.

I would be very surprised if any dealer would be willing to write such a thing into the sales contract. Leaves them open for waaaay too much liability there. My bet is they're going to tell you that your 'recourse' in case of future issues, lies in the owner's manual that came with the car that indicates whether or not flat towing is OK.

Anyway, back to original subject: If you are looking for a flat towable alternative to the Honda CR-V, and can live with a little less interior space, have a look at some of Ford's hybrid vehicles (Fusion or Cmax). They are flat towable from the factory, and very easy and simple to tow. No crazy procedures to go through when hooking up, no fuses or battery to disconnect, none of that. Just throw it in neutral, hook up and go. Can tow all day, all you want, no need to stop and run engine to lube the tranny like some require. And, the mileage the rest of the time (not towing) is absolutely unbeatable, too.