Yahoo Message Number: 103882 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103882)
I purchased a pre-owned CC in Sept. and unfortunately none of our 3 current vehicles can be towed flat.
I am looking for a tow-able that I can trade my 2002 F150 for and have found a couple of Honda CRV EX that appear to be toawble (according to the Remco web site).
Does anyone have any experience towing this kind of vehicle? Remco indicates not to tow faster than 65MPG? Is that a problem?
I would appreciate any suggestions about the Honda or any other possibilities.
thanks
John Huff
Allure 470
42' Siskiyou Summit
31397
Yahoo Message Number: 103883 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103883)
John:
I'm sure you've looked into the drive shaft disconnect option for your F-150? I've towed my 2003 2WD Tundra with a drive shaft disconnect for years with no problems whatsoever. 65 mph is as fast as I ever go but No speed restriction.
Richard
2001 Affinity
Yahoo Message Number: 103885 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103885)
If you are OK with used the later model GMC Envoys or Trail Blazer are very easy to tow (4 wheel drive). Put the transfer case in neutral and the transmission in park. Doesn't have locking steering wheel so can turn ignition off and remove the key. No speed limitations. We have a 2006 Envoy with 120K on it and it's running strong. Stopped production on Envoy n 2009. I think the GMC 4 wheel drive trucks are about the same. Not sure about the locking steering wheel. When we had a vehicle with the locking wheel, installed a battery disconnect.
We've been looking at a "Next Vehicle", new. Considering the 4 door Jeep unlimited. Right price range for us. Similar towing set up. Also would consider a GMC half ton pickup with extra cab or the 4 door model. We've had great luck with GMC's!
Judy n Joe
98 Intrigue 10578
Yahoo Message Number: 103886 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103886)
Richard,
My F-150 is a crew cab 4 door, and a little more vehicle than I think we need or want to tow, so I thought it'd be a good to seek something smaller.
thanks
John Huff
2006 Allure 470
42' Siskiyou Summit
31397
Yahoo Message Number: 103887 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103887)
The Ford Fusion Hybrid is towable. There are no speed restrictions or tow procedures, etc. Hook up put it in Neutral and go.
Mikee
Yahoo Message Number: 103888 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103888)
Jeep Liberty. Cheap, small, easy to tow, 4 wheel drive. My .02
Nate Blackwell
Allure
Yahoo Message Number: 103889 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103889)
John,
I recently purchased my 2006 Allure and then purchased a 2011 Honda CRV EX for my tow. I had a Blue Ox towing package installed and everything has been working nicely. There is a specific procedure in the Honda owners manual for getting the transmission ready for towing.
My understanding is that the 2015 and newer CRVs cannot be flat-towed because of a change in the design of the transmission. Older CRVs are ok.
Stu Koop
Allure 430 Hood River
#31301
Yahoo Message Number: 103896 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103896)
we tow a 2008 Chevy Colorado pickup 4 wheel drive. Easy to tow.
Lonny & Diane Livingston
'04 Allure #31065
Yahoo Message Number: 103904 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103904)
I've towed a 2002 CR-V more than 60K miles and really like it. I installed a simple A-B switch to bypass the fuse that needs to be pulled so that the battery doesn't drain and I run it through the gears at the end of each day and have had no problems. And, it is a great second car to boot. 2015 and newer CR-Vs are not towable because of the transmission change.
Dave Glen
'06 Magna 6591
Yahoo Message Number: 103906 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103906)
Have towed a 2013 Chevy Equinox AWD 4-down since 2013 without issue. Have to stay under 65 mph, but DP mileage went up nicely and we seem to get there in good time. We love the car. 1 fuse to pull is all.
Jeff Thurston
03/04 Intrigue 42 Ovation 11630
Yahoo Message Number: 103908 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103908)
I tow a '13 CRV and like it. Had Camping World install the baseplate and also a switch that eliminates need to pull the fuse. I forget the weight of the car but it was at the lower end of all cars I reviewed before opting for the Honda. As for 65 MPH, for me that isn't a concern. I typically cruise about 60 to 62 with occasional passing speeds slightly above 65. Driving constant 65 or higher is too taxing on my peaceful demeanor.
Yahoo Message Number: 103918 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103918)
John:
I pull a F250 SD, gives new meaning to a diesel pusher, and have for 10 years. It was cheaper to buy a Remco shaft disconnect than buy a new vehicle.
John Beach
06 Allure 31309
Yahoo Message Number: 103920 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103920)
As I remember 2014 was the last year you can tow a CR-V, My 2012 has over 40,000 towed miles and over 30,000 driven miles and has never given me a moment of trouble. I will have to get new tires soon has my tread depth is down to 7/32 .
I see a lot of CR-V's being towed. They are light weight relative to other SUV's which helps increase fuel milage. I picked up over a 1/2 mpg when I traded in my Odessey. I think Honda is making a big mistake not designing towable vehicles. I use road master tow system, which was installed by HITCH PRO TOW in Eugene Oregon. They are great folks and do excellent work. There is no sales Tax in Oregon. TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731
Yahoo Message Number: 103921 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103921)
For our 2008 Fit (ASA FDDL), we must run the engine from a cold start for 3 minutes. Drop the shift into drive for 15 seconds, then go back to neutral and continue idling. Whatever you do, don't have reverse as your last position before neutral. No problems in over 50K miles.
My understanding is that the 2015 and newer CRVs cannot be flat-towed because of a change in the design of the transmission. Older CRVs are ok.
The issue here, as I understand it, is the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). NO car with a CVT is, so far as I know, flat towable. As I understand it, all hybrids and other ecologically superior cars (such as electric vehicles) have CVTs, and now Honda has included CRVs in this mix.
I have a problem understanding why auto manufacturers (particularly of electric vehicles) cannot simply supply a cut-out switch to isolate the transmission when the vehicle is to be towed. How much more could that cost?
Ken
2004 Allure #31035
Stu Koop
Allure 430 Hood River
#31301
Yahoo Message Number: 103935 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103935)
Some 4x4 Fords actually have the neutral switch in the transfer case but not in the cab. A Ford dealer can check to see if your F150 has the switch in the case. If so, an activation switch can be added to the dash to make it towable 4-down. There are a couple of other options too. Either have a drive shaft disconnect installed or a transmission pump. I tow a 4x4 Chevy Silverado Ext. cab. I press and hold two buttons for about ten seconds and I'm ready to roll. There are no distance or speed restrictions on the GM 4x4's that have a neutral selection in the transfer case. I like towing a full size truck. The bed hauls a golf cart nicely.
Britt
2004 Intrigue 11836
Yahoo Message Number: 103940 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103940)
What kind of brake buddy system did you need for the Honda?
Yahoo Message Number: 103942 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103942)
I have been flat towing my 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid with the CVT for over 4 years now. Road master makes the tow brackets for the 2003-2005 model years. I went on U-Tube and there is a video on the CVT that explains why the transmission disconnects when in Neutral.
Craig Spiess
2007 Inspire 360 DaVinci
#51959
2005 Honda Civic Hybrid 4 Down
SMI Air Force One
Yahoo Message Number: 103943 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103943)
I am still trying to get my mind around all of this and looking for recommendations for a brake buddy for the Honda CRV toad. Any suggestions, or experiences/feedback would be great.
thanks to all, I've learned so much about my CC from all of the folks on this list!!
John Huff
2006 Allure 470
42' Siskiyou Summit
31397
Yahoo Message Number: 103944 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103944)
What kind of brake buddy system did you use on the Honda?
Thanks
Yahoo Message Number: 103945 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103945)
As I remember 2014 was the last year you can tow a CR-V, My 2012 has over 40,000 towed miles and over 30,000 driven miles and has never given me a moment of trouble. I will have to get new tires soon has my tread depth is down to 7/32 .
I see a lot of CR-V’s being towed. They are light weight relative to other SUV’s which helps increase fuel milage. I picked up over a 1/2 mpg when I traded in my Odessey. I think Honda is making a big mistake not designing towable vehicles. I use road master tow system, which was installed by HITCH PRO TOW in Eugene Oregon. They are great folks and do excellent work. There is no sales Tax in Oregon. TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731
Yahoo Message Number: 103946 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103946)
Ford CVT vehicles are towable.
George in Birmingham
'03 Magna 6298
Yahoo Message Number: 103951 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103951)
On our Honda Fit, we have a US Gear system. Works wondrously well.
Our previous towed vehicle was a 1989 Honda Accord which we towed for about 15 years. On that car we had an M&G system, which also worked wondrously well.
Each acts by controlling the brake pedal of the towed vehicle, albeit by differing means; no devices necessary to act against the brake pedal such as the Brake Buddy requires. Front end hookup at the tow bar is all that is needed.
I recommend either, although I understand there are some limitations to the vehicles that can receive the M&G system.
Ken
2004 Allure #31035
Yahoo Message Number: 103955 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103955)
Hi, we went with the Air Force One system on our Intrigue. It has been great. Uses the air system from the coach to apply the brakes at the same rate that you apply the coach brakes. Simple air disconnect fitting and electrics. Our other system had to be set up in the toad's floorboard each time. Too much trouble.
Ken Blitchington
2000 Intrigue 32'
Yahoo Message Number: 103957 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103957)
We flat tow a '14 Subaru Forester with manual transmission (6 speed) and the SMI Air Force One braking system. This is our third Subaru Forester. We have been flat towing them for 14 years, with no problems. The AF1 braking system is the best avail, IMHO.
I personally would avoid Brake Buddy types. They are a pain to hook up and unhook. I have seen them fail to release the brakes after braking resulting in ruined tires.
DavidW
06 Intrigue 11993
Yahoo Message Number: 103958 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103958)
I've used both. The original Brake Buddy worked fine, but I finally replaced it (with a great deal from Hdqs on a "turn in") with the red one. So, I now have the more automatic one (can't remember its name) that bleeds the lines automatically with the touch of a button. It takes about 3 minutes to set it up for towing and I stow it in its bag when I'm in one location for a period of time. Basically plug and play. It can be set to proportional from a remote on the dash.
Great set-up.
Dave Glen
'06 Magna 6591
Yahoo Message Number: 103959 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103959)
Honda says absolutely "NO" to flat towing the 2015 CR-V (when it was first used) with CVT. It will invalidate the warranty. The earlier CR-V's did not have CVT.
Dave Glen
'06 Magna 6591
Yahoo Message Number: 103960 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103960)
I used Air Force One for 9 years and was very please. Easy to hook up and disconnect. M&G was my other choice, however, their unit does not fit on all toads. Made my choice easy.
Jock Vargo
2005 Inspire
51428
Yahoo Message Number: 103953 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103953)
Have used M & G brake system on my 2001 and 2008 Honda CR-V. So far have not had a problem and been in use for over 207,000 + miles.
Bill Dane
99 Allure 30326
Yahoo Message Number: 103954 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103954)
We've also been braking with a M&G proportional system on our 07 Jeep Grand Cherokee for over 68,000 miles. Just hookup and go!
Tom & Joyce Newman
99 Allure 30288
Yahoo Message Number: 103961 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103961)
I'll second the M&G. Had it on our Jimmy then the Envoy. The thing I like is it's simplicity and ease of hook up. Just connect the air hose and that's it. Just to see how it works connected a 50' hose between the coach and car and drove the car while my wife used different brake pressures. Like the results. Will go to M&G on our next vehicle.
Judy n Joe
98 Intrigue 10578
Yahoo Message Number: 103967 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103967)
I used M&G with our Marquis and on the Odessy, too. It worked great . )In Texas you are required to have a brake away auto stop system. Not a supplemental braking system, but you have to have the second to get the first. Politicians can be sneaky. I have only had to stand on the brakes really hard once coming to stop where you could see steam coming off the tires minutes after we stopped on wet pavment. A Nissan pickup tangled with a sedan and rolled right in front of us while crossing three lanes. We were doing 55 mph up a grade and they were really flying and touched right outside my drivers window. I was very thankful that day I had a tag axle and the M&G system. My 36 foot Allure though much lighter than the 42' Intrigue could never stop as short. TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731
Yahoo Message Number: 103968 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/103968)
I use invisibrake with my wrangler very convenient John & Ginger Lord
06 Inspire
51861
FMCA F450216
CCI 8211