Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2013 Honda CR-V AWD Behind a Motorhome

Updated 09/05/2018 | Published 09/04/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,000 lbs

(155)

$1375.00

Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit

(297)

$104.52

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3298)

$575.00

Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs

(788)

$1545.00

Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles

(694)

$47.71

Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles - 20-Amp ATM Mini-Fuse

(352)

$87.90

Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles - (2) 20-Amp ATM Mini-Fuses

(352)

$111.85

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(747)

$1175.00

Question:

Can you tell me if the 2013 AWD Honda CR-V is 4 wheels down towable? The manual says yes, but was told by a local shop that NO AWD drive vehicles are ever towable, can only be towed on a trailer.

asked by: Sue K

Expert Reply:

The local shop is wrong. According to the owner's manual for a 2013 Honda CR-V you can flat tow the vehicle behind a motorhome with all 4 wheels on the ground. Not only that but the manual also states that AWD models have to be towed with all wheels on the ground. I'd find a better shop! Be sure to check page 235 and 236 of your manual for procedure information.

You will need 5 major components to flat tow your CR-V: base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking.

For base plates you can use Roadmaster EZ5 kit # RM-521567-5. Once installed, and with the removable arms taken out, the base plates will be almost invisible. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

For a compatible tow bar I recommend the super awesome Nighthawk # RM-676. This tow bar comes with safety cables, a wiring umbilical, and LED lights for greater visibility and safety. With this tow bar you will be the envy of the campsite! I have linked a video review of this tow bar for you.

For lighting the most popular systems use diodes such as # RM-152. Since the above tow bar comes with the connector that will mount to the front of your CR-V you would just need to wire in one end of this kit to that connector. The other end will wire into one of the inputs in the diodes. The proper tail light wires will install in the other input. The single output connects to the vehicle tail lights. I have linked a video that will help with installation.

For this vehicle, fuse(s) must be pulled during towing. Please check owner's manual to confirm. You can make this process as easy as flipping a switch by using a fuse bypass. If your owner's manual says to only pull the #19 ACC radio fuse, use part # RM76511; if it states to pull the #19 ACC radio fuse and the #20 ACC key lock fuse, use part # RM76512. These are not required (pulling the fuses is though) they just make the process easier.

You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

The # RM-88400 relay is required to prevent the towed vehicle's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn. The relay is not required when using magnetic tow lights.

Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.