Towing a Late Model Honda Element
We have been towing a 2003 Honda Element AWD automatic for about 9 years and for over 80K miles without any problems. We LOVE our Element. But alas, the end is near for the old girl, and it's about time to put her down and be looking for a replacement.
I know Honda endorsed the Elements for flat towing during model years 2003-2005 (with specific procedure involving the shifter, etc.), and removed the endorsement for subsequent years. I recall reading on this forum that some folks have been flat towing 2006 and later models, but can find only one testimonial for a 2011 on this forum, and it's for a 2WD. We have found a 2011 Element AWD automatic that we really like and would buy it tomorrow if we were comfortable we could tow it 4-down without causing damage. The 2011 owners manual is inconclusive and contradictory as to AWD vs 2WD. The REMCO web site suggests it is towable 4-down, using the standard Honda procedure, as for CR-Vs, but cautions that you do so at your own rsk.
So, please let me hear from those with real experience towing 2006+ model years. Let me know if you had any problems or if everything went well, particularly with the drive train. Please also state whether yours is a straight drive, a 2WD vs AWD and 4-speed vs 5-speed transmission. Please do not waste your time telling me what Honda says about towing later model Elements. I know what the company line is.
Thanks for any help you can provide on this topic.
I know Honda endorsed the Elements for flat towing during model years 2003-2005 (with specific procedure involving the shifter, etc.), and removed the endorsement for subsequent years. I recall reading on this forum that some folks have been flat towing 2006 and later models, but can find only one testimonial for a 2011 on this forum, and it's for a 2WD. We have found a 2011 Element AWD automatic that we really like and would buy it tomorrow if we were comfortable we could tow it 4-down without causing damage. The 2011 owners manual is inconclusive and contradictory as to AWD vs 2WD. The REMCO web site suggests it is towable 4-down, using the standard Honda procedure, as for CR-Vs, but cautions that you do so at your own rsk.
So, please let me hear from those with real experience towing 2006+ model years. Let me know if you had any problems or if everything went well, particularly with the drive train. Please also state whether yours is a straight drive, a 2WD vs AWD and 4-speed vs 5-speed transmission. Please do not waste your time telling me what Honda says about towing later model Elements. I know what the company line is.
Thanks for any help you can provide on this topic.
