Can you flat tow a Honda CR-V behind an RV?
In general, you should not flat tow a Honda CR-V behind an RV. Honda does not approve four-down towing for CR-Vs and recommends towing the vehicle on a dolly or trailer. For your exact year and trim, always verify with the owner's manual and Honda’s guidance from a dealer.
This article explains why flat towing is not advised, outlines model-year considerations, and lays out safer towing options. It also provides steps to verify compatibility and choose the best method for your travel plans.
What the owner's manual says about flat towing
Honda’s CR-V owner manuals for recent generations generally do not authorize four-down towing. The CR-V uses a CVT and, in most configurations, an all-wheel-drive system that relies on engine operation and transmission lubrication. When towed with all four wheels on the ground, critical components can be damaged. For that reason, Honda typically recommends towing the CR-V on a trailer or with a tow dolly so that the engine and transmission aren’t rotated in an unlubricated state.
Transmission considerations
The CR-V’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) has specific lubrication and cooling requirements that typically require the engine to be running under normal conditions. Four-down towing can permit transmission components to be rotated or lubricants to flow in ways that are not designed for when the engine is stationary, increasing the risk of damage. This is why flat towing is not approved for most CR-V configurations.
Model-year guidance
Across CR-V generations sold in the United States up to 2024, Honda’s guidance has not approved four-down towing for flat towing behind motorhomes. Some market-specific details can vary, so owners should consult the exact manual for their VIN and trim to confirm there are no exceptions.
Practical towing options
Before choosing a method, consider your RV’s capacity, terrain, distance, and the CR-V’s specifications. The safer and more commonly used options are described below.
- Tow dolly: Lift the CR-V’s front wheels onto a tow dolly while the rear wheels stay on the road. Follow the dolly-maker’s instructions and the CR-V manual for gear selection, parking brake, and electrical connections. This keeps the transmission from turning and is a widely used approach when permitted for your model.
- Car trailer: Tow the CR-V on a trailer behind the RV. This method requires proper tie-downs, wheel chocks, and securement to prevent movement, as well as appropriate lighting and braking connections.
- Professional towing service: If you’re not equipped to set up a safe, compliant tow, hire a towing service or RV transport company that specializes in motorhome tows and can ensure adherence to safety and legal requirements.
- Always verify with the owner’s manual and dealer or Honda support before towing, and ensure all safety devices (lighting, brakes, and connections) are properly configured.
A dolly is often the most practical and affordable option if it is allowed for your specific CR-V model, while a trailer provides maximum stability for longer trips.
Before you tow: Key checks
To decide on the best method and prepare for travel, perform these checks before towing.
- Review the CR-V’s owner’s manual for towing restrictions and required equipment.
- Check your RV’s towing capacity, hitch rating, and whether you can safely install a tow dolly or car trailer.
- Choose a towing method that complies with Honda’s guidance and keeps the drivetrain protected.
- Inspect lighting, braking systems, and electrical connections to ensure road compliance and safety.
Completing these checks helps protect the vehicle’s drivetrain, maintains warranty considerations, and improves on-road safety.
Summary
For a Honda CR-V, flat towing (four wheels down) behind an RV is not typically approved. Safe alternatives include towing with the front wheels on a dolly or using a car trailer, or enlisting a professional towing service. Always verify the exact model year’s guidance in the owner’s manual and follow the correct setup procedures to protect the drivetrain and stay compliant with road rules. With careful planning and the right equipment, you can travel with both your RV and CR-V with confidence.
