Can A Honda Accord Flat Towed?

If you’re planning to tow your Honda Accord behind an RV or motorhome, you’re probably asking a very important question: can a Honda Accord flat towed? The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends heavily on the specific year and model of your car. Flat towing, also known as dinghy towing, involves towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, and doing it incorrectly can cause serious and expensive damage to your transmission.

To be perfectly clear, most Honda Accord models are NOT approved for flat towing by the manufacturer. Honda consistently advises against it in their owner’s manuals due to the risk of transmission damage. However, there is one major exception for certain model years that we will detail below. Understanding this distinction is crucial before you even think about hitching up your car.

Why Flat Towing is Usually a Problem for the Accord

The core issue lies in the transmission. Most modern Hondas use automatic Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) or conventional automatic transmissions. In these systems, the engine’s rotation is needed to pump transmission fluid for lubrication and cooling.

When the engine is off during flat towing, this pump doesn’t work. The moving parts inside the transmission can then spin without proper lubrication, leading to rapid overheating, increased wear, and catastrophic failure. This damage is often not covered by warranty if it results from improper towing.

The One Major Exception: Manual Transmission Models

Here is the critical information many owners look for. Certain Honda Accord models equipped with a manual transmission can be flat towed. This is because a manual transmission’s gears are mechanically disconnected when the car is in neutral, eliminating the internal lubrication issue.

According to Honda’s official documentation, the following manual transmission Accords are approved for flat towing with all four wheels down:

2003-2017 Honda Accord (4-cylinder models only)
2018-2022 Honda Accord (4-cylinder models only)

It is vital to double-check your specific owner’s manual for the exact procedures and limitations. The V6 manual models and all automatic or CVT models, regardless of year, are NOT approved for flat towing.

How to Flat Tow a Manual Transmission Accord (Step-by-Step)

If you have an approved manual transmission Accord, follow these steps carefully. Always refer to your owner’s manual as the final authority.

Step 1: Gather the Right Equipment

You will need a few key pieces of gear:

A quality baseplate or tow bar system designed for your Accord’s specific year.
Safety cables or chains to connect the tow bar to the motorhome.
A supplemental braking system for the Accord, which is legally required in most states.
Proper wiring harness and tow lights so your Accord’s brake and turn signals work.
A tow bar shield to protect your Accord’s front end from debris.

Step 2: Pre-Tow Vehicle Preparation

Before you start driving, you must prepare the Accord:

Place the transmission in Neutral.
Disengage the parking brake completely.
Unlock the steering column (if it has a locking mechanism).
Ensure the ignition is in the “ACC” or “ON” position if needed to keep the steering unlocked. Consult your manual.
Close all windows and sunroof.
Remove any external antennas.

Step 3: Hitching and Safety Checks

Connect everything securely and perform these checks:

Attach the tow bar to the baseplate on the Accord and the hitch on the RV.
Connect the safety cables/chains separately, crossing them under the tow bar to form a cradle.
Plug in the lighting wiring harness so all lights function.
Test the supplemental braking system to ensure it activates properly.
Do a final visual inspection of all connections.

Step 4: During the Tow and Post-Tow

While driving, make it a habit to check your mirrors frequently to ensure the car is tracking correctly. Every time you stop, check the connections and feel the transmission area for any unusual heat.

After towing, remember to:

Disconnect the supplemental brake system first.
Unplug the lighting harness.
Disconnect the safety cables, then the tow bar.
Start the Accord and let it idle for a few minutes to circulate fluids before driving normally.

What Are Your Options for Automatic & CVT Accords?

If you own an automatic, CVT, or V6 Accord, flat towing is not an option. But you’re not out of luck. Here are your safe alternatives:

1. Using a Trailer (The Safest Method)

Transporting your Accord on a flatbed trailer or car hauler is the method recommended by Honda. All four wheels are off the ground, so there is zero drivetrain wear. This is the best choice for long distances or frequent towing, though it requires a larger tow vehicle and a place to store the trailer.

2. Using a Dolly (Front Wheels Up)

A tow dolly lifts the Accord’s front wheels off the ground while the rear wheels roll. For front-wheel drive cars like the Accord, this is generally acceptable because it disengages the driven wheels. However, you must still follow Honda’s guidelines in the manual regarding speed and distance limits. Always secure the steering wheel and check that the parking brake is off on the rear wheels.

3. Professional Shipping

For a one-time long-distance move, hiring a professional auto transport company can be a stress-free solution. It might be more cost-effective than buying expensive towing equipment for a single trip.

Critical Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a manual transmission, these errors can ruin your car or create a dangerous situation:

Assuming all Accords are the same. Always verify your model year and transmission type.
Skipping the supplemental brake system. It’s a legal and safety must-have.
Forgetting to check tire pressure on both vehicles before each trip.
Exceeding the recommended towing speed, usually 55-65 mph.
Ignoring the need for a lighting system; it’s illegal to tow without proper signals.
Not using a baseplate designed for your car; universal kits can cause damage.

FAQ: Your Honda Accord Towing Questions Answered

Q: Can I flat tow my 2015 Honda Accord?
A: Only if it has a 4-cylinder engine and a manual transmission. Automatic models cannot be flat towed.

Q: What about the newer 2023 or 2024 Honda Accord?
A> No. All current-generation Honda Accords use automatic CVT transmissions exclusively. Honda does not approve any of them for flat towing under any circumstances.

Q: Can I tow my Accord with an automatic in neutral?
A> Absolutely not. The internal transmission pump is not driven when the engine is off, leading to a lack of lubrication and certain damage, even if the shifter is in Neutral.

Q: How far can I flat tow my manual Accord?
A> While Honda may not specify a strict distance limit, it’s wise to follow common RV towing practices. Check all systems every few hours and avoid non-stop marathon drives to minimize wear.

Q: Is a tow dolly okay for my Accord?
A> For front-wheel drive Accords, a tow dolly (front wheels up) is usually a viable alternative. But you must confirm in your owner’s manual, as some model years may have specific restrictions or preparation steps.

Q: Will towing void my Honda warranty?
A> If you flat tow a model that is not approved by Honda and the transmission fails, the repair will almost certainly not be covered under warranty. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to protect your coverage.

Final Verdict and Recommendation

The rule is simple but must be followed strictly. You can only flat tow a Honda Accord if it is a 4-cylinder model with a manual transmission from the 2003-2022 model years. For all other Accords—including every V6, every automatic, every CVT, and all 2023+ models—flat towing is prohibited and will cause severe mechanical damage.

Your first and most important step is to locate your owner’s manual and read the towing section. If you’ve lost it, a digital version is usually available on Honda’s website. Investing in the correct equipment and taking the time to set up properly is far cheaper than replacing a transmission. When in doubt, choose the safer option of a trailer or dolly. Protecting your investment ensures you can enjoy both your RV adventures and your reliable Honda Accord for many miles to come.