Parts Needed to Flat Tow 1999 Honda CR-V
Question:
do I have to have a transmission cooler or can I stop ever so often and run it through all the gears without damagening the transmission
asked by: Lois N
Expert Reply:
A transmission cooler like Derale # D12903 is intended for a vehicle that is doing the work of towing a trailer rather than for a vehicle that is being flat towed. Your 1999 Honda CR-V can be flat towed with all wheels on the ground whether it is has a 5-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission. The flat towing preparation procedure is slightly different for each type of transmission but in both cases you'll want to ensure the transmission fluid level is full and that you follow the specific procedure shown on the linked page taken from the online owner's manual. The manual I reviewed does not mention any need to stop and run through the gears.
The parts needed to flat tow a vehicle like your CR-V include a tow bar, base plate, safety cables, a wiring/lighting kit of some type, a braking system and often also a high/low hitch adapter. Each of these is detailed in the linked article on flat towing. Below are the items I recommend for your CR-V flat towing setup.
Base Plate # 1528-3
Safety Cables # RM-643
Tow Bar # RM-520
Tow Lights # TL21RK
Braking System # BLU37TR
You can refer to the linked article for help selecting a high/low hitch adapter such as # RM-048-6 which is a popular choice for CR-V owners. This will help you keep the connected tow bar level which is important for good operation.

Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Partially Hidden
- Roadmaster
more information >
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Every-Trip Setup
- Built-In Battery
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Wireless Display
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 6" Rise/Drop - 10K GTW, 400 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Adapters
- High-Low Adapter
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 6 Inch Rise/Drop
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount
- Telescoping - Binding
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Cables Not Included
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Universal Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Optronics
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Derale Dyno-Cool Tube-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit - Class III - Economy
- Transmission Coolers
- Tube-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 15-1/4W x 7-1/2T x 3/4D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
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