Honda CRV Dinghy

[Community Alumni]

Before I posted to the Dinghy Forum, I thought I would try here because I think the question is specific. In my travels across the country over the last 8 years, I have seen many Views and Navions with a dinghy. It seems that the Honda CRV was the one I saw the most, so I asked. Because of weight considerations, towing four wheels down is best to conserve weight and then there is the inconvenience of the dolly. A friend had two Honda CRV cars, unfortunately one got totaled by a 'distracted driver'. The older one I think qualifies as a dinghy, but I'm not sure. Which model years can be towed four wheels down without modification? What about auto/manual and FWD/AWD variations? My friend's car is in real nice shape and it is one I would consider driving as a second car. He really likes the Honda, so if it would work as a toad, I would have to make an offer he can't refuse.

[legolas]

dicknellen wrote:
Any CRv up thru 2014. AWD or fwd. No CRVs 2015 thru 2018. I tow a 2013 CRv. Dick

The issue is the TRANSMISSION. In 2014 Honda was transitioning to a "constant velocity" transmission. That is the one that cannot be towed. When looking for a CRV you'll want to be certain the transmission is "automatic". There are some 2014's with the automatic transmission and they can be towed. 2015 and newer all have the cvt and cannot be towed.

[Geobiker]

Check the owners manual for the specific Honda your friend is thinking of selling to you. That will answer your question. We have a 2012 Honda CRV AWD that we tow 4 down. Not sure if it was 2013 or 2014 where Honda no longer supported towing 4 down. Again, the owners manual specific to the CRV is your bible. Good luck.

[Community Alumni]

Having owned two Honda motorcycles and two Honda cars, I have absolutely no reservations for doing it again.

[Rick_Y]

The Honda FIT automatic is good for towing 4 down only through 2013. 2014 and higher can not be towed 4 down.

[Pangaea_Ron]

I also tow a 2014 Honda CR-V AWD, the manual says that it's OK.

[ksg5000]

Kit Carson wrote:
Dicknellen, are you sure about the 2014? For some reason I was thinking the 2013 was the last year that could be towed. I could be completely wrong, though.

I own a 2014 and it's supposed to be OK for towing.

[Big_Katuna]

Honda Elements have the same driveline as the CRV so can be towed.

We tow a 2011.

[Kit_Carson]

Dicknellen, are you sure about the 2014? For some reason I was thinking the 2013 was the last year that could be towed. I could be completely wrong, though.

[dicknellen]

Any CRv up thru 2014. AWD or fwd. No CRVs 2015 thru 2018. I tow a 2013 CRv. Dick

[ksg5000]

https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/om/CR0000/CR0000O00176A.pdf