...It will not be easy to purchase all the hardware necessary and do all the setup to tow ANY dinghy for less than $1500. Most likely, it will cost significantly more than that. 'Tis the price you pay for the convenience and luxury of owning a MH and flat towing a vehicle behind it.
A tow bar alone can cost you close to $1000. Then, another $400 for base plates you have to install on the toad (plus 'bout 4 hours installation labor unless you do that yourself). Then, you have to install tail light wiring. Thats before we even talk about a braking system, which can be another $1000 or so depending on what you go with.
If you're willing to live with a fixed tow bar setup (more cumbersome and difficult to hitch up, most folks do not like them), and are willing to do the base plate and wiring installation on the CRV yourself, you could save a bunch of $$, and get it done for well under $1000 total. But, that would not include a braking system. As to whether or not you could do without a braking system: Depends on what states you travel in and their laws, and other factors. Fact is, you probably will want one, eventually.
If you can get a trailer for your CRV for $1500, that will almost certainly be cheaper. However, using a trailer brings its own set of issues, too. Where, what are you going to do with the trailer when you get to your destination? Also, the heavy tongue weight a loaded car trailer puts on the back of a MH, frequently will create a dangerous situation - You'll be either over your hitch receiver's tongue weight limit, or overloading the rear axle of the MH (or both).
If you don't want to spend more than $1500, a dolly or flatbed trailer may be a better idea. However, as I noted above, make sure you consider all factors with the trailer as well. Even though flat towing is the most expensive method, most people end up going that route just because of its ease and convenience.
Way I see it, you already have over half the battle won - you already have a car that is flat-towable from the factory. Many of us did not have that luxury when we got our first MH. Might as well just set it up to tow and be done with it. You'll be glad you did later.
