Get Driving -> Towing a Trailer Guide for Honda CR-V SUV Second Generation (2001-2005)

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Towing a Trailer

Your vehicle has been designed to

primarily carry passengers and their

cargo. You can also use it to tow a

trailer if you carefully observe the

load limits, use the proper equipment,

and follow the guidelines in this

section.

Load Limits

Be sure to read the Off-Highway

Driving Guidelines section on page

179 if you plan to tow off paved

surfaces.

Total Trailer Weight: The

maximum allowable weight of the

trailer and everything in or on it

must not exceed 1,500 lbs (680 kg).

Towing a load that is too heavy can

seriously affect your vehicle’s

handling and performance. It can

also damage the engine and

drivetrain.

Tongue Load: The weight that the

tongue of a fully-loaded trailer puts

on the hitch should be approximately

10 percent of the total trailer weight.

Too much tongue load reduces front-

tire traction and steering control.

Too little tongue load can make the

trailer unstable and cause it to sway.

Exceeding any load limit or

improperly loading your vehicle

and trailer can cause a crash in

which you can be seriously hurt

or killed.

Check the loading of your

vehicle and trailer carefully

before starting to drive.

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Towing a Trailer

To achieve a proper tongue load,

start by loading 60 percent of the

load toward the front of the trailer

and 40 percent toward the rear, then

re-adjust the load as needed.

kg)

Discuss your needs with your trailer

sales or rental agency, and follow the

guidelines in this section. Also make

sure that all equipment is properly

installed and maintained, and that it

meets federal, state, province, and

local regulations.

Checking Loads

The best way to confirm that vehicle

and trailer weights are within limits

is to have them checked at a public

scale.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

(GVWR) － The maximum

allowable weight of the vehicle, all

occupants, all accessories, all cargo,

and the tongue load is 4,450 lbs

(2,020 kg).

Using a suitable scale or a special

tongue load gauge, check the tongue

load the first time you set up a

towing combination (a fully-loaded

vehicle and trailer), then recheck the

tongue load whenever the conditions

change.

Hitches

Any hitch used on your vehicle must

be properly bolted to the underbody.

Safety Chains

Gross Axle Weight Ratings

Always use safety chains when you

tow a trailer. Make sure the chains

are secured to the trailer and hitch,

and that they cross under the tongue

and can catch the trailer if it

(GAWR) － The maximum

allowable weight of the vehicle, all

occupants, all accessories, all cargo,

and the tongue load must not exceed

Towing Equipment and

Accessories

2,200 lbs (1,000 kg) on the front axle, Towing can require a variety of

becomes unhitched. Leave enough

slack to allow the trailer to turn

corners easily, but do not let the

chains drag on the ground.

and 2,290 lbs (1,040 kg) on the rear

axle.

equipment, depending on the size of

your trailer, how it will be used, how

much load you are towing, and

where you tow.

Gross Combined Weight Rating

(GCWR) － The maximum

allowable weight of the fully loaded

vehicle and trailer is 5,950 lbs (2,700

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Towing a Trailer

Trailer Brakes

Trailer Lights

Your vehicle has a trailer lighting

connector located behind the left

side panel in the cargo area. Refer to

the drawing above for the wiring

color code and purpose of each pin.

Honda requires that any trailer with

a total weight of 1,000 lbs (455 kg) or

more be equipped with its own

electric or surge-type brakes.

Trailer lights and equipment must

comply with federal, state, province,

and local regulations. Check with

your local trailer sales or rental

agencies for the requirements in

your area where you plan to tow, and

use only equipment designed for

your vehicle.

If you choose electric brakes, be

sure they are electrically actuated.

Do not attempt to tap into your

vehicle’s hydraulic system. No

matter how successful it may seem,

any attempt to attach trailer brakes

to your vehicle’s hydraulic system

will lower braking effectiveness and

create a potential hazard.

If you use a non-Honda trailer

lighting harness and converter, you

can get the connector and pins that

mate with the connector in your

vehicle from your dealer.

BACK-UP LEFT TURN

LIGHT SIGNAL

GROUND

(BLACK)

(GREEN/ (GREEN/

BLACK)

RED)

Since lighting and wiring vary by

trailer type and brand, you should

have a qualified technician install a

suitable connector between the

vehicle and the trailer. Improper

equipment or installation can cause

damage to your vehicle’s electrical

system and affect your vehicle

warranty.

See your trailer dealer for more

information on installing electric

brakes.

RIGHT TURN BRAKE

TAILLIGHT

(RED/

YELLOW)

SIGNAL

LIGHT

(WHITE/

BLACK)

(GREEN/

YELLOW)

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Towing a Trailer

Additional Towing Equipment

Pre-Tow Checklist

The lights and brakes on your

vehicle and the trailer are working

properly.

Many states and Canadian provinces

require special outside mirrors when

towing a trailer. Even if they don’t,

you should install special mirrors if

you cannot clearly see behind you, or

if the trailer creates a blind spot.

When preparing to tow, and before

driving away, be sure to check the

following:

Your vehicle tires and spare are

properly inflated, and the trailer

tires and spare are inflated as

recommended by the trailer

maker.

The vehicle has been properly

serviced, and the tires, brakes,

suspension, cooling system, and

lights are in good operating

condition.

(If you tow frequently, follow the

severe conditions maintenance

schedule.)

Ask your trailer sales or rental

agency if any other items are

recommended or required for your

towing situation.

Driving Safely With a Trailer

The added weight, length, and

height of a trailer will affect your

vehicle’s handling and performance,

so driving with a trailer requires

some special driving skills and

techniques.

The trailer has been properly

serviced and is in good condition.

All weights and loads are within

limits.

For your safety and the safety of

others, take time to practice driving

maneuvers before heading for the

open road, and follow the guidelines

in this section.

The hitch, safety chains, and any

other attachments are secure.

All items in or on the trailer are

properly secured and cannot shift

while you drive.

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Towing a Trailer

Towing Speeds and Gears

Drive slower than normal in all

driving situations, and obey posted

speed limits for vehicles with trailers. road to let the engine cool.

If you have an automatic

transmission, use the D position

when towing a trailer on level roads.

D³is the proper shift lever position

to use when towing a trailer in hilly

terrain. (See ‘‘Driving on Hills’’ in the

following column for additional gear

information.)

the red (Hot) mark, turn the air

conditioning off, reduce speed and, if

necessary, pull to the side of the

vehicle, keep a constant speed, and

steer straight ahead. Do not try to

make quick steering or braking

corrections.

When driving down hills, reduce

your speed and shift down to 3rd

gear on the manual transmission, or

use the D3 position on the automatic

transmission. Do not ‘‘ride’’ the

brakes, and remember it will take

longer to slow down and stop when

towing a trailer.

Backing Up

Always drive slowly and have

someone guide you when backing up.

Grip the bottom of the steering wheel,

then turn the wheel to the left to get

the trailer to move to the left, and

turn the wheel right to move the

trailer to the right.

Making Turns and Braking

Make turns more slowly and wider

than normal. The trailer tracks a

smaller arc than your vehicle, and it

can hit or run over something the

vehicle misses. Allow more time and

distance for braking. Do not brake or

turn suddenly as this could cause the

trailer to jackknife or turn over.

If you must stop when facing uphill,

use the foot brake or parking brake.

Do not try to hold the vehicle in

place by pressing on the accelerator,

as this can cause the automatic

transmission to overheat.

Parking

Follow all normal precautions when

parking, including firmly setting the

parking brake and putting the

transmission in Park (automatic) or

in 1st or reverse (manual). Also,

place wheel chocks at each of the

trailer’s tires.

Handling Crosswinds and Buffeting

Crosswinds and air turbulence

caused by passing trucks can disrupt

your steering and cause the trailer to

sway. When being passed by a large

Driving on Hills

When climbing hills, closely watch

your temperature gauge. If it nears

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Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome

Your vehicle can be towed behind a

motorhome at legal highway speeds

up to 65 mph (100 km/h). Do not

exceed 65 mph (100 km/h).

Otherwise, severe transmission

damage will occur. To avoid damage

to the 4WD system, your vehicle

must be towed with all four wheels

on the ground (flat towing).

On models with manual transmission

Check the transmission fluid level

Press on the brake pedal. Move

the shift lever through all its

positions.

(see page

). Do not overfill.

200

Shift to D, then to N. Let the

engine run for 3 minutes, then

turn it off.

Release the parking brake.

Shift to neutral.

Leave the ignition switch in the

ACCESSORY (I) position so the

steering wheel does not lock.

Make sure the radio and any items

plugged into the accessory power

sockets are turned off so you do

not run down the battery.

Release the parking brake.

Leave the ignition switch in the

ACCESSORY (I) position so the

steering wheel does not lock.

Make sure the radio and any items

plugged into the accessory power

sockets are turned off so you do

not run down the battery.

When purchasing a tow bar, make

sure you select a reputable

manufacturer and installer. Follow

the manufacturer’s attachment

instructions carefully.

When you stop towing your vehicle

and shift out of the neutral position,

you may not be able to move the

shift lever from neutral to reverse or

Park. If this happens, press the

brake pedal and turn the ignition

switch to the ON (II) position, then

shift out of neutral.

Perform the following procedure

every day immediately before you

begin towing. Otherwise severe

automatic transmission damage will

occur.

On models with automatic transmission

Check the transmission fluid level

Do not overfill.

(see page 199 ).

Start the engine.

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Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome

Automatic Transmission

tray, coin pockets, etc) as a reminder

to re-install the fuse before driving

the vehicle.

Extended Towing

The steering system can be damaged if

the steering wheel is locked. Leave the

ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I)

position, and make sure the steering

wheel turns freely before you begin

towing.

When towing your vehicle for long

periods, remove the 15 A Front

Accessory Power Socket fuse to

reduce drain on battery. This fuse is

located in the interior fuse box and is

shown as number 18 below.

This fuse MUST be re-installed before

driving the vehicle. Failure to re-install

the fuse may allow you to remove the

key with the transmission in gear.

Extended Towing

INTERIOR FUSE BOX

If you tow more than 8 hours in one

day, you should repeat the above

procedure at least every 8 hours

(when you stop for fuel, etc.)

FRONT ACCESSORY

POWER SOCKET FUSE

Severe automatic transmission damage

will occur if the vehicle is shifted from

reverse to neutral and then towed with

the drive wheels on the ground.

Failure to follow the recommended

instructions exactly will result in severe

automatic transmission damage. If you

cannot shift the transmission or start

the engine, your vehicle must be

transported on a flat-bed truck or

trailer.

If you tow a CR-V with an automatic

transmission, the transmission fluid

must be changed every two years or

30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever

comes first.

Only remove the fuse after you have

performed the transmission shifting

procedure, and the key is in the

ACCESSORY (I) position. Store the

fuse in an obvious location (center

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Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

General Information

Important Safety Precautions

To avoid loss of control or rollover,

be sure to follow all precautions and

recommendations.

Your vehicle has been designed

primarily for use on pavement. But

its higher ground clearance allows

you to occasionally travel on unpaved

roads, such as campgrounds, picnic

sites, and similar locations. It is not

designed for trail-blazing, mountain

climbing, or other challenging off-

road activities.

Improperly operating this

vehicle on or off pavement can

cause an accident or rollover in

which you and your passengers

could be seriously injured or

killed.

Be sure to store cargo properly,

and do not exceed your vehicle

cargo load limits (see pages

151 and 172 ).

Follow all instructions and

guidelines in this owner’s

manual.

Keep your speed low, and

don’t drive faster than

conditions permit.

Wherever you drive, make sure

you and your passengers always

wear seat belts.

If you decide to drive on unpaved

roads, you will find that it requires

somewhat different driving skills.

Your vehicle will also handle

somewhat differently than it does on

pavement. So be sure to read this

owner’s manual, pay special attention

to the precautions and tips in this

section, and get acquainted with

your vehicle before you leave the

pavement.

Keep your speed low, and never

go faster than the conditions allow.

It’s up to you to continually assess

the situation and drive within the

limits.

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Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

Check Out Your Vehicle

Accelerating and Braking

Avoiding Obstacles

Before you leave the pavement, be

sure to do all scheduled maintenance

and service, and inspect your vehicle

for any problems. Pay special

For better traction on all surfaces,

accelerate slowly and gradually build

up speed. If you try to start too fast

on wet soil, mud, snow, or ice, you

Debris in the road can damage your

suspension or other components.

Because your vehicle has a high

center of gravity, driving over a large

obstacle, or allowing a wheel to drop

into a deep hole can cause your

vehicle to tip or roll over.

attention to the condition of the tires, might not have enough traction to

and check the tire pressures.

get underway, and you may dig

yourself a hole. Starting with the

shift lever in second (2) gear will

help you have a smoother start on

snow or ice.

After you return to the pavement,

carefully inspect your vehicle to

make sure there is no damage that

could make driving it unsafe.

Recheck the condition of the tires

and the tire pressures.

Driving on Slopes

If you can’t clearly see all conditions

or obstacles on a slope, walk the

slope before you drive on it. If you

have any doubt whether or not you

can safely drive on the slope, don’t

do it. Find another route.

Keep in mind that you will usually

need more time and distance to

brake to a stop on unpaved surfaces.

Avoid hard braking. Do not ‘‘pump’’

the brakes; let the anti-lock braking

system pump them for you.

Remember

The route presents limits (too steep

or bumpy roads). You have limits

(driving skill and comfort). And your

vehicle has limits (traction, stability,

and power).

If you are driving up a hill and find

that you cannot continue, do not try to

turn around. Your vehicle could roll

over. Slowly back down the hill,

following the same route you took up

the hill.

Driving off-highway can be

hazardous if you fail to recognize

limits and take the proper

precautions.

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Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

Crossing a Stream

If You Get Stuck

4-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Avoid driving through deep water. If

you encounter water in your route (a

small stream or large puddle, for

Avoid driving on soft sand, deep mud, If you spin the wheels excessively

or other surfaces where you could

get stuck. If you do happen to get

trying to get unstuck, you may

overheat the components of the

4-wheel drive system. If this happens,

the 4-wheel drive system shuts off

and only the front wheels receive

power. If this happens, stop and

allow everything to cool down. The

4-wheel drive system will work again

after its temperature drops.

example), evaluate it carefully before stuck because of inclement weather

going ahead. Make sure it is shallow,

flowing slowly, and has firm ground

underneath. If you are not sure of

the depth or the ground, turn around

and find another route.

or other conditions, choose a safe

and appropriate course of action.

You should never use a jack to try

getting unstuck. A jack only works

on firm, level ground. Also, your

vehicle could easily slip off the jack

and hurt you or someone else.

Driving through deep water can also

damage your vehicle. The water can

get into the transmission and

differential, diluting the lubricant

and causing an eventual failure. It

can also wash the grease out of the

wheel bearings.

If you slip the clutch for a long time

while trying to get unstuck, you may

overheat and damage it.

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