Get Driving -> Towing a Trailer Guide for Honda CR-V SUV Third Generation (2006-2010)

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Towing a Trailer

Your vehicle has been designed

primarily to 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

Exceeding any load limit or

improperly loading your vehicle

and trailer can cause a crash in

which you can be seriously hurt

or killed.

Break-In Period

Check the loading of your

vehicle and trailer carefully

before starting to drive.

Avoid towing a trailer during your

vehicle’s first 600 miles (1,000 km)

(see page 294 ).

Be sure to read the Off-Highway

Driving Guidelines section on page

336 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.

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Towing a Trailer

To achieve a proper tongue load,

start by loading 60% of the load

toward the front of the trailer and

40% toward the rear, then re-adjust

the load as needed.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

(GVWR) － The maximum

allowable weight of the vehicle, all

occupants, all accessories, all cargo,

and the tongue load is 4,560 lbs

(2,070 kg).

Checking Loads

The best way to confirm that all

loads are within limits is to check

them at a public scale. For public

scales in your area, check your local

phone book, or contact your trailer

dealer or rental agency for

assistance.

If you cannot get to a public scale,

you can estimate the total trailer

weight by adding the weight of your

trailer (as quoted by the

manufacturer) with everything in or

on the trailer.

Gross Axle Weight Ratings

(GAWR) － The maximum

Tongue Load: The weight that the

tongue of a fully-loaded trailer puts

on the hitch should be approximately

10% of the total trailer weight. Too

much tongue load reduces front-tire

traction and steering control. Too

little tongue load can make the

allowable weight of the vehicle, all

occupants, all accessories, all cargo,

and the tongue load must not exceed

If you normally pull the same load

2,310 lbs (1,050 kg) on the front axle, each time you tow a trailer, you can

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

axle.

use a suitable scale or a special

tongue load gauge to 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.

trailer unstable and cause it to sway.

Gross Combined Weight Rating

(GCWR) － The maximum

allowable weight of the fully loaded

vehicle and trailer is 6,060 lbs (2,750

kg)

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Towing a Trailer

Towing Equipment and

slack to allow the trailer to turn

corners easily, but do not let the

chains drag on the ground.

Trailer Lights

Accessories

Trailer lights and equipment must

comply with federal, state, province/

territory, and local regulations.

Check trailer light requirements for

the areas where you plan to tow, and

use only equipment designed for

your vehicle.

Towing can require a variety of

equipment, depending on the size of

your trailer, how it will be used, how

much load you are towing, and

where you tow.

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,

territory, and local regulations.

Trailer Brakes

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 tap into your

vehicle’s hydraulic system. No

matter how successful it may seem,

any attempt to attach trailer brakes

to your vehicles hydraulic system

will lower braking effectiveness and

create a potential hazard.

Hitches

Any hitch used on your vehicle must

be properly bolted to the underbody.

Safety Chains

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

See your trailer dealer or rental

agency for more information on

installing electric brakes.

CONTINUED

becomes unhitched. Leave enough

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Towing a Trailer

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.

Pre-Tow Checklist

TAILLIGHT

(RED)

LEFT TURN GROUND

When preparing to tow, and before

driving away, be sure to check the

following:

SIGNAL

(BLACK)

(ORANGE)

The vehicle has been properly

serviced, and the suspension and

the cooling system are in good

operating condition.

TRAILER BRAKE HAZARD RIGHT

(WHITE) LIGHT (PINK)

(LIGHT

TURN

SIGNAL

(BROWN)

Additional Towing Equipment

Many states and Canadian

The trailer has been properly

serviced and is in good condition.

GREEN)

provinces/territories 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.

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.

All weights and loads are within

limits.

The hitch, safety chains, and any

other attachments are secure.

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.

Ask your trailer sales or rental

agency if any other items are

recommended or required for your

towing situation.

All items in or on the trailer are

properly secured and cannot shift

while you drive.

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Towing a Trailer

The lights and brakes on your

vehicle and the trailer are working

properly.

Towing Speeds and Gears

conditioning off, reduce speed and, if

necessary, pull to the side of the

road to let the engine cool.

Drive slower than normal in all

driving situations, and obey posted

speed limits for vehicles with trailers.

Use the D position when towing a

Your vehicle tires and spare are

properly inflated, and the trailer

tires and spare are inflated as

recommended by the trailer

maker.

When driving down hills, reduce

your speed and use the D3 position.

Do not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and

remember it will take longer to slow

down and stop when towing a trailer.

trailer on level roads. D is the

3

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.)

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.

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.

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.

Handling Crosswinds and Buffeting

Crosswinds and air turbulence

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.

caused by passing trucks can disrupt

your steering and cause the trailer to

sway. When being passed by a large

vehicle, keep a constant speed, and

steer straight ahead. Do not try to

make quick steering or braking

Driving on Hills

When climbing hills, closely watch

your temperature gauge. If it nears

the red (Hot) mark, turn the air

corrections.

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Towing a Trailer, Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome

Backing Up

Towing Your Vehicle Behind a

Motorhome

Check the transmission fluid level

(see page 355 ). Do not overfill.

Start the engine.

Always drive slowly and have

someone guide you when backing up. Your vehicle can be towed behind a

Grip the bottom of the steering wheel, motorhome at legal highway speeds

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.

Press on the brake pedal. Move

the shift lever through all its

positions.

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).

Shift to D position and hold for 5

seconds, then to N. Let the engine

run for 3 minutes, then turn it off.

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.

Parking

Follow all normal precautions when

parking, including firmly setting the

parking brake and putting the

transmission in Park. Also, place

wheel chocks at each of the trailer’s

tires.

When purchasing a tow bar, make

sure you select a reputable

manufacturer and installer. Follow

the manufacturer’s attachment

instructions carefully.

Perform the following procedure

every day immediately before you

begin towing. Otherwise severe

automatic transmission damage will

occur.

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Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome

When towing your vehicle for long

the vehicle.

periods, remove the 7.5 A Accessory

Radio fuse to reduce drain on battery.

This fuse is located in the interior

fuse box and is shown as number 34

below.

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.

Severe transmission damage will occur

if the vehicle is shifted from reverse to

neutral and then towed with the drive

wheels on the ground.

INTERIOR FUSE BOX

ACCESSORY RADIO FUSE

Extended Towing

If you tow a CR-V behind a

motorhome, the transmission fluid

must be changed every 2 years or

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

comes first.

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.)

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.

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

tray, coin pockets, etc) as a reminder

to re-install the fuse before driving

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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 cargo load

limits (see page 305 and 330 ).

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

Keep your speed low, and never

go faster than the conditions allow.

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.

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,

Debris in the road can damage your

accelerate slowly and gradually build

up speed. If you try to start too fast

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

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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Driving -> Towing a Trailer for Your Honda CR-V SUV Third Generation (2006-2010)

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