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EnglishDriving -> Towing a Trailer for your Honda CR-V 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,
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.
D3 is 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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