Can A Honda Crv Be Flat Towed?

If you’re an RV owner looking to bring a small SUV along for the ride, you’ve probably asked: can a Honda CR-V be flat towed? The answer is crucial for your safety and your vehicle’s health. We’ll give you the clear, definitive information you need to make the right decision.

Flat towing, also known as dinghy towing, means pulling a four-wheel-down vehicle behind your motorhome. It’s a popular method because it’s convenient. But doing it wrong can lead to catastrophic transmission damage or a dangerous detachment.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll cover official Honda guidance, necessary equipment, and a simple step-by-step process. Let’s get started with the most important fact.

The short answer is: it depends entirely on the model year and drivetrain. Honda’s official stance has changed over the CR-V’s generations. You cannot simply assume your CR-V is towable.

For the vast majority of Honda CR-Vs, the answer is no, they cannot be flat towed in the traditional four-wheels-down manner. This is primarily due to their automatic transmission design, which relies on a running engine to lubricate internal components.

However, there are specific, limited exceptions. Knowing your exact vehicle details is the first and most critical step.

Which Honda CR-V Models Can Be Flat Towed?

According to Honda owner’s manuals and technical specifications, here are the known exceptions:

1997–2006 Honda CR-V with a Manual Transmission: This is the most well-known towable generation. Models equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission can be flat towed with all four wheels down.
1997–2006 Honda CR-V with an Automatic Transmission (Under Specific Conditions): Some early model year automatics in this generation have a specific procedure involving a fuse in the under-hood fuse box to disengage the torque converter. You must consult your specific year’s owner’s manual to confirm and follow the exact steps. It is not universal.
2023–Present Honda CR-V with TrailSport AWD: In a recent shift, Honda announced that the 2023 and newer CR-V TrailSport AWD model, when properly equipped, is approved for flat towing. This requires a specific accessory wiring harness and a base plate designed for this model.

Which Honda CR-V Models CANNOT Be Flat Towed?

This list is much broader. Do not flat tow:

Any Honda CR-V with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This includes most models from 2007 through 2022, and non-TrailSport trims of the current generation.
Any Honda CR-V with a traditional automatic transmission from model years 2007 and later (excluding the specific TrailSport exception).
Any hybrid or plug-in hybrid Honda CR-V. The complex hybrid drivetrain is not designed for flat towing.

Why Can’t Most Modern CR-Vs Be Flat Towed?

The prohibition comes down to transmission protection. In an automatic or CVT transmission, the pump that circulates critical fluid is driven by the engine.

When the engine is off, the pump is off. Towing the vehicle with the wheels turning causes internal parts to spin without lubrication. This creates intense friction and heat, destroying the transmission in a very short distance—sometimes just a few miles.

This damage is often immediate and total, requiring a full transmission replacement. It’s a very expensive mistake.

Safe and Simple Towing Alternatives for Your CR-V

If your CR-V falls into the “no” category, don’t worry. You still have excellent, safe options for bringing it with you. These methods protect your vehicle and are widely used by RVers.

Option 1: Towing on a Trailer (The Safest Method)

This is the gold standard. Your CR-V is loaded onto a trailer, with all four wheels off the ground. This places zero stress on the drivetrain and is approved for any vehicle.

Pros: Zero mileage on your CR-V. No wear on tires, brakes, or drivetrain. Universally safe and legal.
Cons: Requires a larger, heavier trailer. You need space to store the trailer. May require additional lighting and braking systems.

Option 2: Towing with a Dolly (For FWD Models)

A tow dolly lifts the front wheels of your vehicle off the ground, while the rear wheels roll. This is only suitable for Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) CR-Vs.

Important: You must confirm your CR-V is FWD, not AWD. For AWD models, using a dolly can damage the drivetrain if the rear wheels are turning while the front are not.
Pros: Lighter and easier to store than a full trailer. Generally less expensive.
Cons: Still adds wear to the rear tires. Not suitable for AWD. Requires proper securing and lighting.

How to Prepare Your Towable CR-V (For Approved Models)

If you have a 1997-2006 manual transmission CR-V or the new TrailSport, proper preparation is key. Here is a step-by-step checklist.

Consult the Manual: Read your owner’s manual’s section on “Recreational Towing” or “Flat Towing.” Follow Honda’s instructions exactly.
Install Base Plates: Have a professionally installed, vehicle-specific base plate. This is the strong frame that attaches to your vehicle’s chassis and connects to the tow bar.
Get a Tow Bar: Choose a quality tow bar with the correct weight rating for your CR-V.
Wire for Lights: Install a supplemental braking and lighting system. This ensures your brake lights and turn signals work when towed. Many states legally require a supplemental braking system for towed vehicles over a certain weight.
Perform a Pre-Tow Check: Before every trip, check tire pressure on both vehicles, inspect all tow bar and safety cable connections, and verify light functionality.

The Step-by-Step Flat Towing Procedure (For Approved Models)

Park the CR-V on a flat, level surface and set the parking brake.
Start the engine and shift the manual transmission into neutral. For applicable older automatics, insert the specified fuse as per the manual.
Turn the ignition to the “ACC” or “ON” position to unlock the steering wheel. Do not turn it to “LOCK.”
Release the parking brake.
Connect the tow bar to the base plate, ensuring all pins and locks are secure.
Attach the safety cables in a criss-cross pattern to the frame of the motorhome, not the tow bar. These are a backup in case the tow bar fails.
Connect the wiring harness for lights and brakes. Test all lights with a helper.
Double-check that the CR-V is in neutral, the steering is unlocked, and the parking brake is off.
Drive slowly for a short distance, then stop and re-check all connections.

Common Flat Towing Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting to Unlock the Steering: This can damage the steering column and make the vehicle impossible to tow straight.
Leaving the Parking Brake On: This will ruin your rear brakes in minutes.
Using Inadequate Equipment: Never use a bumper-mounted tow bracket. Always use a frame-mounted base plate.
Skipping the Braking System: It’s unsafe and illegal in many places. Your RV’s brakes are not designed to stop both vehicles.
Not Checking Tire Pressures: Under-inflated tires on the towed vehicle can overheat and fail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I flat tow a 2015 Honda CR-V?

No. All 2015 Honda CR-V models have a CVT transmission. Flat towing will cause severe and immediate transmission damage.

Can a Honda CR-V be towed with all four wheels down?

Only specific models: 1997-2006 with manual transmissions (and some early automatics with a fuse), and the 2023+ TrailSport AWD. All others cannot be towed four wheels down.

What is the best way to tow a Honda CR-V behind an RV?

For most CR-Vs, the best and safest method is on a full car trailer. For FWD models, a tow dolly is a good alternative. Always verify your drivetrain first.

Do I need a brake system when flat towing a CR-V?

Yes, absolutely. Most states require a supplemental braking system for any towed vehicle over 1,000 to 3,000 lbs. It is a critical safety feature for you and everyone else on the road.

Can I flat tow a AWD Honda CR-V?

Only the 2023 and newer TrailSport AWD model is approved. All other AWD CR-V generations (including real-time AWD systems) are not approved for flat towing due to their drivetrain designs.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Before you invest in any equipment, the single most important action is to check your owner’s manual. Look for the section titled “Recreational Towing.” If it says not to tow with all four wheels down, you must believe it.

Assuming your vehicle is towable can lead to a repair bill costing thousands of dollars. The cost of a transmission is far higher than the cost of a rental trailer or dolly for your trip.

For owners of the towable models, invest in quality equipment and professional installation. Your safety, and the safety of others, depends on it. Take the time to practice connecting and disconnecting in a calm, empty parking lot before your first big trip.

While the convenience of flat towing is appealing, protecting your vehicle investment is paramount. By choosing the right towing method for your specific Honda CR-V, you ensure many more miles of adventure for both your RV and your SUV. Always err on the side of caution and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines—they know your vehicle best.