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exportman's avatar
exportman
Explorer
Nov 22, 2015

Lube pumps for towing

I am ready to turn in my CR-V for another toad but am so disappointed that Honda doesn't offer this vehicle in a 4-down automatic shift model any more. Bummer. I loved this car. I will not want to go to a standard shift and not sure if the avail automatic 4 down autos are what I want.
So the question is what about the so-called lube pumps whereby the transmission gets lubed somehow. Do they work with any auto trans vehicle? Is the warranty voided? Also partially related to this is can all vehicles be configured for "hidden" tow hardware?
Lots of questions but will be happy with any and all responses.

18 Replies

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  • Grandpere's avatar
    Grandpere
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2015
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    Grandpere wrote:
    Talked to my mechanic about doing this before we bought our current toad and his response was strictly negative on them. He deals with a lot of RVers with motorhomes and their toads, and he has seen too many fail to recommend doing this. It is just something else to go wrong and when it does, your tranny goes up in smoke.


    And what was his suggestion for those that need the lube pump so tranny doesn't go up in smoke?

    Dinghy Towing Guide


    We were looking to buy, so he recommended getting one that did not need a pump. If you already own and do not want to buy something else, then get a pump is my suggestion.
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer III
    Nov 22, 2015
    Thousands of folks use lube pumps without issue, but be prepared to fork out thousands of dollars if your particular lube pump fails. Know your risk, and sleep well at night.
  • mowermech's avatar
    mowermech
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2015
    There was a REMCO pump on our PT Cruiser when we bought it.
    When we went on vacation to Tennessee, I bought a used Demco Kar Kaddy to tow the car.
    I have seen just enough failure reports concerning the pumps that I don't want to take a chance.
    The same goes for the Ford "towable" models that kept burning up transmissions. I would never own one.
    I will either get another dolly, or buy another Jeep. Then I can be reasonably confident that I will never be stuck someplace looking for a transmission shop!
  • Valkyriebush's avatar
    Valkyriebush
    Explorer II
    Nov 22, 2015
    We Towed our Mercury Villager van thousands of miles with a REMCO pump installed. No issue. Tip, warm toad engine on very cold days before getting underway first.
  • Tripalot's avatar
    Tripalot
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2015
    We towed our Toyota Highlander about 70,000 miles over 6 years and used a Remco lube pump without any problems. We were dubious at first, but all was OK. We had it installed by our RV dealer who had experience with this - maybe that is why ours worked as it was meant to.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Nov 22, 2015
    Grandpere wrote:
    Talked to my mechanic about doing this before we bought our current toad and his response was strictly negative on them. He deals with a lot of RVers with motorhomes and their toads, and he has seen too many fail to recommend doing this. It is just something else to go wrong and when it does, your tranny goes up in smoke.


    And what was his suggestion for those that need the lube pump so tranny doesn't go up in smoke?

    Dinghy Towing Guide
  • Grandpere's avatar
    Grandpere
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2015
    Talked to my mechanic about doing this before we bought our current toad and his response was strictly negative on them. He deals with a lot of RVers with motorhomes and their toads, and he has seen too many fail to recommend doing this. It is just something else to go wrong and when it does, your tranny goes up in smoke.

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