Can a 2012 Honda CR-V with Automatic Transmission be Flat-Towed Behind a Motor Home
Updated 08/06/2013 | Published 08/04/2013
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Question:
Can I tow this flat behind my motor home? If so, what does it require to do so? Thanks
asked by: Harry T
Expert Reply:
Both the front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions of the 2012 Honda CR-V with automatic transmission can be flat-towed behind a motor home.
Honda cautions that before flat towing your CR-V transmission fluid level and condition be checked. If you will flat tow often or for long periods (8 hours or more at a time), then it is suggested to change your transmission fluid at shorter intervals than specified in the manual. It is also necessary to follow a pre-drive conditioning process after hitching your CR-V to the motor home. This consists of moving the automatic transmission through several timed steps with the engine running to prepare it for flat-towing. Your owners manual will spell this out in detail.
I suggest you refer to the linked article which covers the essentials of flat-towing and details the components required. These items include tow bar, base plates, safety cables, lighting/wiring and a supplemental braking system.
The 2012 CR-V can use Roadmaster base plates # 521567-4 and their Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520. This tow bar fits the hitch receiver on your motor home. Please refer to the linked video.
For safety cables you can use Roadmaster # RM-646.
The simplest form of lighting kit is the magnetic type that installs on your towed vehicle without need to cut into its wiring. Custer offers their lighting kit # RM-2120 which uses a magnetic base to hold it in place on your CR-V while you are under way. It includes a 4-pole flat connector for hookup to your motor home.
Last, for a supplemental braking system you can use a item such as the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Proportional Braking System # RM-9400. This portable unit mounts in the towed vehicle and depresses the brake pedal whenever the motor home brakes are applied. I have linked for your reference an article on such braking systems.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Universal Magnetic Tow Lights - Red LEDs - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Peterson
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