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What Hondas can be flat towed?

Several Honda models can be flat towed, meaning they can be towed behind a motorhome or other vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. This is a convenient option for Honda owners who want to bring their car along on RV trips or need to transport their vehicle. The specific Honda models that can be flat towed are outlined below.

Honda Models That Can Be Flat Towed

Honda CR-V - The Honda CR-V can be flat towed as long as it is in neutral and the parking brake is engaged.

Honda Pilot - The Honda Pilot can also be flat towed, again with the transmission in neutral and the parking brake on.

Honda Ridgeline - The Honda Ridgeline pickup truck is approved for flat towing, with the same requirements as the CR-V and Pilot.

Honda Accord - Certain model years of the Honda Accord sedan can be flat towed, but the requirements may vary, so it's important to check the owner's manual.

It's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when flat towing any Honda vehicle to avoid damage to the transmission or other components. The parking brake must be engaged, the transmission must be in neutral, and the vehicle's speed should be kept below the recommended limit, typically around 65 mph.

Hondas That Cannot Be Flat Towed

Not all Honda models are suitable for flat towing. The Honda Civic, for example, is not approved for this method of towing, as it can cause damage to the transmission. Other Honda models, such as the Odyssey minivan and the Passport SUV, also cannot be flat towed.

It's always best to consult the owner's manual or contact Honda directly to determine if a specific model can be safely flat towed. Improper towing can lead to expensive repairs, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

What is the easiest vehicle to flat tow behind an RV?

Here are some of the most popular flat tow vehicles:

Jeep Wrangler JL.
Ford F-150.
Jeep Wrangler JK.
Chevrolet Equinox.
Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Jeep Cherokee.
Chevrolet Colorado.
Honda CR-V.

What year is the Honda CR-V flat towable?

Honda CR-Vs from 2014 and older can be flat towed, but models from 2015 and newer are not due to the introduction of the CVT transmission. It's crucial to consult the vehicle's owner's manual for specific procedures, speed limits (often 65 mph), and necessary precautions like pulling certain fuses.

Models that can be flat towed

Years: 1997 through 2014
Transmission: Manual or automatic transmissions from these years are towable

Models that cannot be flat towed

Years: 2015 and newer
Reason: These models use a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which is not designed for flat towing.

Important considerations

Check the owner's manual: Always refer to your specific model year's owner's manual for exact instructions on how to prepare the vehicle for towing.
Speed limit: For many models, the maximum towing speed is 65 mph to prevent severe transmission damage.
Fuses: You may need to pull specific fuses to prevent the battery from draining. Some people use a fuse bypass for convenience.
Towing requirements: A tow bar, baseplate, and a supplemental braking system are typically required.
4WD systems: For all-wheel-drive models, it's important to tow with all four wheels on the ground to avoid damaging the 4WD system.

What is the cheapest car that can be flat towed?

The cheapest car for flat towing is typically a used, manual transmission model of a subcompact or compact car like the Nissan Versa S or Chevrolet Spark. These vehicles are affordable, lightweight, and easy to prepare for towing, but it is crucial to verify the specific year, trim, and transmission are approved by the manufacturer for flat towing.
Factors to consider for the cheapest option

Manual transmission: Only a manual transmission version of certain models is approved for flat towing.
Weight: Lighter vehicles are generally cheaper and easier to tow.
Condition: A used model will likely be cheaper than a new one. You can often find pre-equipped used vehicles for sale.

Specific examples of cheap, flat-towable vehicles

Nissan Versa S: A 2014 or newer manual-transmission model is an excellent choice. It's affordable, lightweight, and easy to tow.
Chevrolet Spark: A great option for those who want a small, lightweight vehicle for city-sized spaces.
Toyota Yaris: A manual-transmission model can be a good option, though it may be slightly more expensive than the Versa.
Kia Rio: A 2018 model with a manual transmission can be a cost-effective choice for flat towing.

Important reminders

Always check the owner's manual: Before buying, always confirm with the manufacturer that the specific vehicle is approved for flat towing.
Consider a used car with a tow package: Many people sell their flat-tow-equipped cars at a discount. Look on online marketplaces for vehicles that already have a tow bar and base plate installed.
Beware of automatic transmissions: Only select automatic transmission vehicles can be flat-towed, and they often have specific requirements. It is essential to check the owner's manual to ensure the vehicle is towable.

Can a Honda CRV be towed behind a motorhome?

Yes, you can tow a Honda CR-V behind a motorhome, but only certain models can be flat-towed (with all four wheels on the ground), and specific pre-tow procedures and equipment are required to prevent damage. Generally, models with a manual or older automatic transmission can be flat-towed, while many newer models with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) cannot be. You must follow the specific preparation steps for your model, install a proper tow bar and safety cables, and ensure you have a supplemental braking system for the CR-V.
Pre-tow preparation for flat-towing
This video demonstrates how to flat tow a Honda CRV behind an RV: 59sCalled To WanderYouTube · Feb 12, 2024

Shift the transmission: Follow the owner's manual instructions. For some models, the engine should be idling while you shift through all the gears, press the brake, and then shift to neutral.
Set the ignition: Turn the key to the "Accessory" (acc) position to unlock the steering wheel, but do not turn the engine off completely.
Pull necessary fuses: The vehicle's battery can drain while towing, so you must remove specific fuses to prevent this. A fuse bypass switch is a permanent alternative.
Repeat the procedure: You must repeat the transmission-shifting procedure every eight hours of continuous towing.

Equipment and safety

Tow bar: Use a high-quality tow bar that connects securely to the CR-V's base plate.
Safety cables: Always connect safety cables as a backup in case the tow bar fails.
Braking system: A separate braking system for the CR-V is legally required and essential for safety. The Roadmaster Invisibrake is one example of a system that can be permanently installed.
Lighting and wiring: Connect a wiring harness to the CR-V so its brake lights and turn signals work in sync with the motorhome's.
Battery protection: A charge line kit or a dedicated 12-volt outlet can be used to maintain the CR-V's battery charge.

Important considerations

Check your owner's manual: Always consult your specific year and model's owner's manual for exact instructions, as procedures can vary.
Do not exceed 65 mph: Honda specifies this speed limit for flat-towing a CR-V to avoid severe transmission damage.
For newer CVT models: Some newer CR-V models with a CVT transmission cannot be flat-towed at all, so confirm your vehicle's compatibility before proceeding.
Regular maintenance: Towing puts extra wear on the transmission, so regular fluid changes are recommended.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.