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TowingaTrailer
Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inflated (see page 222 ),
and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker.
Additional Trailer Equipment
Pre-Tow Checklist
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:
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, and cooling system
are in good operating condition.
Ask your trailer sales or rental
agency if any other items are
recommended or required for your
towing situation.
All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages 170 and 171).
The hitch, safety chain, and any
other attachments are secure.
All items on and in the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive.
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.
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TowingaTrailer
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.
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.
information.)
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.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shift down to 2nd
gear. Do not "ride" the brakes, and
remember it will take longer to slow
down and stop when towing a trailer.
For your safety and the safety of
others, take time to practice driving
maneuvers before heading for the
open road, and follow the guidelines
discussed below.
Driving on Hills
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red mark, turn the air
conditioning off, reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
Towing Speeds and Gears
Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
If you have an automatic
transmission, use the Over-Drive
(O/D) mode when towing a trailer
on level roads. Turn off the Over-
Drive (O/D) mode when towing a
trailer in hilly terrain (see page 140 ).
(See "Driving on Hills" in the next
column for additional gear
If the automatic transmission shifts
frequently between 3rd and 4th
gears while going up a hill, turn off
the Over-Drive (O/D) mode (see
page 160 ).
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Towing a Trailer
Handling Crosswinds and Buffeting
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer
swaying. When being passed by a
large vehicle, keep a constant speed
and steer straight ahead. Do not try
to make quick steering or braking
corrections.
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.
Backing Up
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the bottomof 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.
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Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
Start the engine.
Your CR-V 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, it must be towed
with all four wheels on the ground
(flat towing).
Shift the transmission to Neutral.
Press on the brake pedal. Shift the
lever through all the positions (P,
R, N, D, 2,1)
Leave the key in the ignition
switch and the ignition switch in
ACCESSORY (I) 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.
Shift to D, then to N. Let the
engine run for three minutes, then
turn off the engine.
Release the parking brake.
When purchasing a tow bar, make
sure you select a reputable
Automatic Transmission
manufacturer and installer. Follow
the manufacturer's attachment
instructions carefully.
Leave the ignition switch in
ACCESSORY (I) 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 preparing to tow your CR-V,
check the transmission fluid level
(see page 207 ). Maintaining the
correct level is very important. Do
notoverfill. Do the following every
day immediately before you begin
towing. Follow the procedure exactly.
Otherwise, severe automatic
After attaching the tow bar to your
motorhome, do the following to
prepare your CR-V for "flat towing":
transmission damage will occur.
Extended Towing
5-speed Manual Transmission
Make sure the transmission is
filled to the correct level (see page
208). Do not overfill.
If you tow more than 300 miles (500
km) in one day, you should repeat
the above procedure at least every
300 miles (500 km), (when you stop
for fuel, etc.)
Release the parking brake.
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TowingYour Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
If you low your CR-V and it is
equipped w ith an automatic
transmission, replace the
transmission fluid every two years or
30,000 miles (50,000 k m ), whichever
comes first.
NOTICE
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I), and
make sure The steering wheelturns
freely before you begin towing.
NOTICE
Improper towing preparation will
damagethe transmission.Follow the
above procedureexactly.If you cannot
shift the transmissionor start the
engine,yourvehiclemustbe
transported on a flat-bed or trailer.
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Off-Highway Guidelines
General Information
Your CR-V has been designed
primarily for use on pavement. But
its higher ground clearance allows
you to occasionally travel on unpaved
roads, to campgrounds, picnic sites,
and similar locations. It is not
designed for trailblazing, mountain
climbing, or other challenging off-
road activities.
If you decide to drive on unpaved
roads, you will find that it requires
somewhat different driving skills.
Your CR-V 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.
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Off-Highway Guidelines
Important Safety Precautions
Remember that your CR-V has
higher ground clearance and a
higher center of gravity than
passenger vehicles designed for use
only on pavement. This means your
vehicle can more easily tip or roll
over if you make abrupt turns or
drive on slopes.
The route presents limits (some
roads are too steep and bumpy for
example). You have limits (in driving
skills and comfort). And your vehicle
also has limits (traction, stability, and
power, for instance).
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.
Driving off-highway can be
hazardous if you fail to recognize
limits and take proper precautions.
For example, you can have an
accident or rollover during
maneuvers such as turning, driving
on hills, or over large obstacles.
Follow all instructions and
guidelines in the owner's
manual.
Keep your speed low and
don't drive faster than
conditions permit.
Utility vehicles have a significantly
higher rollover rate than other types
of vehicles. To avoid loss of control
or rollover, be sure to follow all
recommendations and precautions
on page 152 and in this section.
Be sure to store cargo properly, and
do not exceed your CR-V's cargo or
trailer load limits (see pages 149 and
170 ).
Seat belts are just as important off-
road as on paved roads. Wherever
you drive, make sure you and your
passengers always wear seat belts. If
children or infants are along for the
ride, see that they are properly
On many unpaved roads, you won't
find lane markers, traffic signals, or
signs to warn you of possible trouble
ahead. It's up to you to continually
assess the situation and drive within
limits.
secured. In a rollover crash, an
unbelted person is more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt.
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