Forum Discussion

anon125's avatar
anon125
Explorer
Aug 29, 2017

towing an auto CRV

these are the replies from the experts- the dealers. stop laughing!
what is the last year an auto CRV could be towed all wheels down?
thanks all

After speaking with our Assistant Service Manager and our Parts Manager, no 4WD or AWD CR-V can be towed with all four wheels down. Thanks for your inquiry, and please let me know if you have any other questions as I would be happy to assist.

I was incorrect. The 2011 CR-V is the last year for flat towing because of the change to the AWD from our previous 4WD system.
Both Automatic and manual can be flat towed 1997-2011

To the best of my knowledge it is not possible to dinghy tow flat with an automatic transmission in a CR-V. This is only possible with a manual transmission. I hope this helps.

2014 was the last year that the CR-V could be flat towed. The Honda Fit has that capability also until 2014.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Sep 01, 2017
    anon125 wrote:
    thanks everyone

    details on the Towed Battery Charger would be handy.


    Mine is a wire from the MH to the toad. :B

    OK OK In the wiring harness 4 wires (one is ground) for the lights, turn signals and brake lights. One wire for the battery charge. Both the ground and battery charge wires are larger gauge for charging. My MH has a fuse on the charge line and it's on only when the ignition is on. I added a fuse at the toad battery.

    I have an additional wire that connects the toad brake lights to a cab dash light so that I know when the toad brakes are applied. Few do this.
  • anon125's avatar
    anon125
    Explorer
    Sep 01, 2017
    thanks everyone

    details on the Towed Battery Charger would be handy.
  • marc515's avatar
    marc515
    Explorer
    Sep 01, 2017
    LetsRV wrote:
    2014 was the last year you can tow the CRV (I have one).

    In 2015 they went to a CVT tranny and it can't be towed four down. The same thing happened to Subaru.


    100% correct

    I have a 2013, and tow 4 down. I do not pull any fuses- I added a "Towed Battery Charger" which trickle charges the CRV battery.

    m
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2017
    kyhawk wrote:
    Our 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid with CVT is a great toad. As far as I know, the Ford C-max Hybrid with CVT can still be towed, but I havn't checked that out myself.


    Hybrids use a planetary CVT, which means they can generally be flat-towed, including all the hybrid and plug-in hybrid Fords.

    Subaru went the Nissan route, and replaced the traditional automatic with a belt-driven CVT. I'm not aware of anyone with a belt-CVT that allows flat-towing.
  • kyhawk's avatar
    kyhawk
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2017
    Our 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid with CVT is a great toad. As far as I know, the Ford C-max Hybrid with CVT can still be towed, but I havn't checked that out myself.
  • anon125's avatar
    anon125
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2017
    so 2014 is the last one. thanks everyone.
    does anyone remember where the CVT started? way back when DAF car company used them but they were/are a pain so the dutch car company closed!
  • anon125's avatar
    anon125
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2017
    for anyone new to this. remember that unless you connect your "brake buddy" to the motorhome battery, most of those towables are illegal. as most remove a fuse or disconnected the toad battery.
    VERY few are legally toable today
    some jeeps are but they have reliability issues
  • Pangaea_Ron's avatar
    Pangaea_Ron
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2017
    I have an automatic 2014 CRV that I have flat towed for about 15,000 miles, with no issues, that is supported by instructions in the Owner's Manual.

    It is my understanding that 2014 is the last year where this is possible 4-wheels down. I also will run this vehicle into the ground.
  • want-a-be's avatar
    want-a-be
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2017
    anon125 wrote:
    want-a-be wrote:
    I would look in the FMCA towing guide!
    Good Luck

    arent they yearly? lot to go thru!


    On the FMCA web site there is a list of all towables!
    Also the magazine comes out monthly.

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