Forum Discussion

sssooo's avatar
sssooo
Explorer
Apr 04, 2015

Towing a Honda CRV

the manual for my CRV says to tow start car shift to D then to N let it run 3 min. and it ready to go!this just sounds to easy?is that all there is

20 Replies

  • I'll confirm the fuse pull for the Honda in dash navigation system. Unless they key is all the way off, which you can't do unless the transmission is in park, the nav system is still powered up. No nav, no fuse pull necessary.

    Also don't forget to shut the radio off.
  • We pulled an '06 and an '09 CR-V for thousands of miles and never pulled a fuse. Nor did we have a charge line. I understand that requirement is for those CR-V's that have a Navigation system.
  • sssooo wrote:
    thank you "othertonka" that is just my manual says but the other people say to pull a fuse ,so I don't have to pull any fuse.
    I will print out your post so I have it to follow
    Thank You


    On my 2002 CRV I don't have to pull a fuse but I have installed a charge wire from the MH back to the CRV and the MH alternater keeps the CRV battery charged while towing. I believe the fuse pulling is for the later year models that have navigation units or for people using a Brake buddy or other braking device that uses the CRV battery to power it. I also make sure the radio and heater/AC blower motor are off when towing.
  • Does your manual have an "Extended Towing" section? That's where the info on pulling the fuse is. It keeps your battery from running down.
  • thank you "othertonka" that is just my manual says but the other people say to pull a fuse ,so I don't have to pull any fuse.
    I will print out your post so I have it to follow
    Thank You
  • You need to look in the Honda owners manual index for "towing behind a motorhome" go to that page in the manual and read the instructions and follow it as written. And you do this after you get all hooked up with the tow bar.
    with the engine running and gear shift in PARK, foot on brake, shift to reverse, then to Neutral, then to Drive, then to 2nd, then to 1st, then back up to 2nd, then up to Drive, then up to Neutral and stop there. let the engine run for 3 minutes and then shut the ignition off one notch which leaves the steering in the unlocked position. Good for 8 hours but IF I am traveling all day I will usually repeat the procedure at lunch time just to make sure the tranny remains lubricated. Do this at the start of every day you are towing. One hint if at any time you go past neutral on the way shifting upward, start the procedure all over again to put the tranny in the towing position. Its all in the manual, read it. Towed my CRV over 40,000 miles, no problems.
  • I have a 2012 and it doesn't say anything about pulling a fuse,that is what had me confused
  • What we have done to both of our Honda's (2007 and the 2013) is to start in Park, go to reverse, neutral, Drive, two, and then one. Let it idle in the lowest gear for a minute or so.

    Then shift up to neutral and stop. If you go up to reverse or park, you have to start all over. This has worked fine on both Honda's.

    We had a fuse cut-off switch put in for the Navigation system that is to the left of the steering wheel on the dash behind one of the blank covers (looks almost factory).

    MM.
  • sssooo wrote:
    the manual for my CRV says to tow start car shift to D then to N let it run 3 min. and it ready to go!this just sounds to easy?is that all there is


    After starting, I usually shift all the way to the 1st gear position and wait 15 seconds, shift to 2nd gear position and wait 15 seconds, then shift to Drive and wait 15 seconds then shift to Neutral and wait for 3 minutes. Leave Shifter in Neutral position and turn the engine off leaving the key in the accessory position.

    You should also remove the fuse that they advise or set up a charge line to the battery.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,150 PostsLatest Activity: Jul 22, 2025