How Much Can a 2015 Honda CR-V Tow and What Is Needed

Updated 08/11/2025 | Published 08/11/2020

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(850)

$159.94

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1370)

$92.75

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(707)

$54.36

Question:

I have a 2015 Honda CR-V . I bought a 2021 sunray classic 109 travel trailer will I be able to tow this trailer I think dry weight is 1055 lbs

asked by: Russell

Expert Reply:

In order to tow a trailer with a 2015 Honda CR-V you will need a trailer hitch, trailer wiring harness, and ball mount/hitch ball. I will attach my recommendation for each of these below.

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part # e98868
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness part # C56158
etrailer Ball Mount Kit part # 989900

In regards to capability, if the towing capacity of the vehicle (check owner's manual) exceeds the loaded weight of the trailer you'll be good to go. It looks like for a 2015 Honda CR-V it is rated at 1,500 lbs.

expert reply by: Conner L

Rilli

8/9/2025

Hi Conner, In regards to towing with a Honda CR-V, does this mean the SUV can tow 1500 lbs but that also includes the vehicle and it’s passengers? If my trailer weighs 300 lbs, and it’s just me driving, nothing else in the car, I can put 1100-1200 lbs in the trailer or is it 1500 plus 850 lbs payload capacity? I want to be safe but I’m not exactly sure when it says total towing is 1500 and payload is 850. Is it 1500 but subtracting 850 for payload? Or the SUV can take 850 plus 1500?

Jesse M.

8/11/2025

@Rilli The 1,500 lb towing capacity would not include the weight or the vehicle and its passengers. The towing capacity refers to the total weight of the trailer only. You might be overthinking it a bit haha but a 300 lb trailer will be no problem if your towing capacity is 1,500 lbs.

Rikki

8/11/2025

@JesseM Hi Jesse, thank you for replying. What does the “payload capacity” mean then in relation to overall towing. I’ve tried googling it but it doesn’t seem very clear to me because it starts talking about the weight/ cargo inside the vehicle itself. Sorry- not an auto-girl, Rikki

Jesse M.

8/11/2025

@Rikki the 850 lb payload capacity would be separate from the towing capacity. Towing capacity refers just to the total trailer weight. Payload capacity would be the total weight of passengers and cargo. They are separate you do not subtract one from the other.