Parts Needed To Flat Tow a 1997 Honda CR-V AWD Automatic
Question:
Hi can you give me a list of the parts needed to flat tow my CRV. I would like the least expensive options please. I dont mind if the front bar is always attached. Also I have read that its ok to flat tow these, is that your experience as well? Thanks much your help it is appreciated.
asked by: Steve C
Helpful Expert Reply:
Yes. You'll want to check your owners manual for confirmation and the procedures for flat towing but my research is showing that the 1997 Honda CRV can be flat towed. In order to flat tow you will need a number of parts from the following categories: base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lights/wiring, supplemental braking and a rise/drop adapter. I've compiled a short list of the parts here:
Base Plates: Roadmaster Crossbar Style # 1528-3
Tow Bar: Roadmaster Tracker # RM-020 (requires ball mount like the # C45036 )
Safety Cables: # RM-643
Lighting: Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights # TL21RK (allows you to bypass vehicle wiring to save money and time)
Supplemental Braking: Roadmaster Invisibrake # RM-8700 (required by law in most states; works with Hydraulic and Power Assist RV brakes)
Rise/Drop Adapter: You'll need something similar to the # RM-076 but will need to measure your setup once you get everything installed to determine which one is going to work best for you- I've attached a helpful article on how to measure for this
I've attached video links to these parts as well as some helpful articles that will help provide you with a bit more information. It should also be noted that I found the following information regarding flat towing your 1997 CRV:
-Towable as is with speed and/or distance restrictions. Please see Owner's Manual for confirmation and procedures.
It is not recommended to tow this vehicle over 65MPH
-Run engine at the beginning of each day, press brake pedal and move shifter through all positions, shift into drive and hold for 5 seconds, then to neutral and let engine run for 3 minutes. Repeat at least every 8 hours.
-When towing for long periods, remove 7.5A accessory radio fuse. See owner's manual for further instructions.

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 >
Curt Class III Ball Mount with 2" Ball - 2" Drop - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- One Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- CURT
more information >
Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Coupler Mount
- Fixed - Binding
- Steel
- 5000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Stores Separately
- Cables Not Included
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 6" Rise/Drop - 6K GTW, 200 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Adapters
- High-Low Adapter
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 6 Inch Rise/Drop
- 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 >
Roadmaster InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Pre-Set System
- One-Time Setup
- Vehicle Battery
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- LED Light Display
- 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 >
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