This is from the 1999 FMCA Towing guide.
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Honda Towing
As noted in the accompanying story, the Honda CR-V —equipped with automatic or manual transmission — is the only Honda vehicle endorsed by the company for flat-towing. To prevent transmission damage to the CR-V, however, the company requires the user to shift from “drive” and then into “neutral” before turning off the engine when hooking the car up for towing. The specific procedure is laid out in the owners manual. The CR-V features Real Time 4WD, Honda’s part-time four-wheel-drive system that
activates when the front tires begin to spin (as on snow or ice). During normal operation, the CR-V functions as a front-wheel-drive vehicle.
Following is a letter FMC received from American Honda Motor Co. Inc. regarding the towing of automobiles equipped with the Honda drivetrain. The letter pertains to all models except the CR-V, Passport, and Acura SLX.
Honda owners manuals advise against towing at more than 35 mph or for more than 50 miles. However, this recommendation
exists primarily because Honda has not conducted formal towing tests of their cars at higher speeds and for greater distances.
We are not aware of any particular problems being caused by towing any 1988 or prior year Honda/Acura automobile, with
either manual or automatic transmission, with or without power steering, regardless of towing speed or mileage.
1989 and subsequent model year Honda/Acura automobiles have minor changes to the automatic transmission. If a 1989
or subsequent model year Honda/Acura must be towed with the front or all four wheels on the ground, we recommend the
following before towing:
1. Check to be sure the transmission fluid level is full.
2. Release the parking brake.
3. Start the engine.
4. Shift the transmission from Park to Drive.
5. Shift from Drive to Neutral.
6. Turn off the engine; leave the key in the
Accessory (I) position.
7. Make sure the radio and all accessories are turned off.
NOTICE: The steering system can be damaged if the steering
wheel is locked. Always leave the key in the Accessory (I) position
to prevent damage to the steering system when towing behind another vehicle.
CAUTION: SEVERE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DAMAGE
WILL OCCUR IF THE CAR IS SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO NEU-
TRAL AND THEN TOWED WITH THE DRIVE WHEELS ON THE GROUND.
We do recommend starting the engine and shifting the auto-
matic transmission, if so equipped, through the gears approximately every 500 miles and shifting from Drive to Neutral before
shutting off the engine.
For all manual transmission automobiles, release the parking brake, shift the transmission to neutral, and turn the ignition key to the Accessory (I) position to release the steering wheel lock. Make sure that the radio and all accessories are turned off.
Although experience has shown that the Honda/Acura transmission and powertrain are capable of being “motorhome towed,” American Honda does not assume responsibility for any vehicle damage or liabilities incurred due to the towing device,
towing vehicle, lighting hookup, or other towing equipment or towing procedures; any responsibility for these items is assumed
by the owner/operator.
