Get Driving -> Towing a Trailer Guide for Honda CR-V SUV Fourth Generation (2011-2015)

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

1Towing Load Limits

Towing Load Limits

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Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper

equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving.

3

WARNING

Exceeding any load limit or improperly

loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a

crash in which you can be seriously hurt or

killed.

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Total trailer weight

Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,

cargo, and everything in or on it must not

exceed 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Towing loads in

excess of this can seriously affect vehicle

handling and performance and can damage

the engine and drivetrain.

Check the loading of your vehicle and

trailer carefully before starting to drive.

Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.

If a public scale is not available, add the estimated

weight of your cargo load to the weight of your

trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and the

tongue load.

Total Load

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Tongue load

The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded

trailer on the hitch should be approximately

10% of the total trailer weight.

• Excessive tongue load reduces front tire

traction and steering control. Too little

tongue load can make the trailer unstable

and cause it to sway.

• To achieve a proper tongue load, start by

loading 60% of the load toward the front

of the trailer and 40% toward the rear.

Readjust the load as needed.

Break-in Period

Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle's first 600

miles (1,000 km).

Never exceed the gross weight ratings.

Gross weight information

2 Vehicle Specifications P. 510

Tongue Load

Continued

353

uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation

1Towing Equipment and Accessories

Towing Equipment and Accessories

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Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and

maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/

territory, and local regulations.

Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,

and where you are towing.

Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other

items are recommended or required for your towing

situation.

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Hitches

The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.

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Safety chains

The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type

and brand. If a connector is required, it should only

be installed by a qualified technician.

Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the

trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.

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Trailer brakes

Recommended for any trailer with a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more:

There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are

common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,

be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to

your vehicle's hydraulic system, as it will lower braking effectiveness and create a

potential hazard.

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Additional towing equipment

Many states and provinces/territories require special outside mirrors when towing a

trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special

mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.

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uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation

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Trailer light

Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and

local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the

requirements in the area where you plan to tow.

Backup Light (Brown)

Brake Light (Pink)

Option (Yellow)

Small (Red)

Left Turn Signal (Violet)

Right Turn Signal (Green)

Grand (Black)

Your trailer lighting connector is located behind the left side panel in the cargo area.

Each pin’s purpose and wiring color code are shown in the image.

When using a non-Honda trailer lighting harness and converter, get the connector

and pins for your vehicle from a dealer.

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uuTowing a TraileruDriving Safely with a Trailer

Driving Safely with a Trailer

1Driving Safely with a Trailer

Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer

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Operating speed when towing a trailer is restricted

up to 65 mph (100 km/h).

• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.

• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.

2 Towing Load Limits P. 353

Parking

In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel

chocks at each of the trailer's tires.

• Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.

• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while

driving.

• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.

• Check the pressures of the trailer tires, including the spare.

Towing Speeds and Gears

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• Drive slower than normal.

• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.

• Use the (D position when towing a trailer on level roads.

Turning and Braking

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• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.

• Allow more time and distance for braking.

• Do not brake or turn suddenly.

Driving in Hilly Terrain

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• Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the

heating and cooling system^*/climate control system^*and reduce speed. Pull to the

side of the road safely to cool down the engine if necessary.

* Not available on all models

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uuTowing a TraileruTowing Your Vehicle

Towing Your Vehicle

Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs

to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.

2 Emergency Towing P. 506

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Driving -> Towing a Trailer for Your Honda CR-V SUV Fourth Generation (2011-2015)

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