Best Tow Equipment / Installer for 2012 CRV?

[Deek]

We bought a 2012 CRV AWD and will be towing it behind our 2011 Newmar Ventana 3433 when we pick it up in Florida in March. We would like to find (1) the best -- most inconspicuous and least visible -- tow plate set up for the CRV and (2) the most competent installer/surgeon who can do the work with the least cosmetic disfigurement to the CRV.

We live in northwestern Pennsylvania and are willing to travel 100-200 miles to get the best job done within these specs.

Any suggestions and comments?

Thanks!!

[njs42]

In 04 we selected Blue Ox base plate for the reasons you described---for our CR-V. No cosmetic adjustments necessary. This is 7 years later and there are many products out there---and the CR-V may have changed but it does not hurt to check out their equipment as a start. They had a list of installers on their website and we used one they suggested. We were quite happy with the work---went back a second time same result.

We are out west but this info may help a bit---good luck.

[Sofakleez]

We had a Roadmaster tow system installed in our 2001 Honda Acord by Camping World. Great system but check to see if you have that large plastic cover under the engine compartment. They had to cut it up pretty good to get the plate installed. Take a look underneath to see if you have that cover down there. If you do, get it up on the lift and ask the installer what he plans to do with the cover before you decide. Mine got so hacked up it became mostly ineffective in keeping road grit out of the engine compartment; I finally just took it off as it was pretty worthless. Aside from that, they did a nice job cosmetically, just a barely noticeable slight alteration to the grill (plastic). Hope that helps. S

[Sofakleez]

Deek, I neglected to mention that we ordered a new 2012 Ventana 3433 and it is due to arrive mid-February. Neener Neener! Enjoy your new rig! S

[bdaball]

Blue Ox here.

It works.

[Deek]

Thanks for the info, everyone. That's the great benefit of these forums -- getting good direction from others who have already been there and done that. I have never found a time that it didn't help.

Sofa, congratulations! You're in the same boat we are -- just can't wait to turn the key and start the journey in 2012!

Btw, I'm headed out to Nappanee with a very good friend to get a factory tour (my second in five years) in late January. We're both excited. If you haven't done that, it is definitely worth it.

Cheers --

Deek

[hardy1000]

Blue Ox here also

[RSchleder]

We have towed for several years with a light weight Blue Ox tow bar and it has worked wonderfully. We have changed toads several times and actually towed a 2005 CRV for 4 years. My recommendation is take a hard look at DEMCO tow plates. DEMCO is very sensitive to not butchering your cars front bumper to install the tow plate. They did no cutting on our 2005 CRV, and I'm not sure how the 2012 CRV grill is configured. However, they are certainly worth a look and you may also be able to go to their website, enter year and model of your Honda and see the install instructions. I did this on my 2005 CRV and felt very confident when I chose the DEMCO!

[Craig1965]

Deek,

I just had a blue ox base plate installed on my 2011 CRV, along with the light package. I live near Buffalo, NY and had it installed at Colton RV on Niagara Falls Blvd, in North Tonawanda, NY. They do a lot of CRV installs. I was going to get it done in Virginia originally, but the Blue Ox website gave Colton an excellent rating in all aspects. Install took about 6 hours. They did a great job. If you want more information, send me a PM.

Craig

[davismills]

Deek,
I installed a Roadmaster plate myself along with help from the DW. It took me about 4 hours and 2 aspirin but it looks great and you can barely see it when the crossbar is not on the car. I had to cut one small piece of the plastic bumper cover, but it is not noticeable. Tows great, now I've got to install a "Ready Brake" in the car. Looking to outsource that work however. Best of luck. Love the Honda

[ga traveler]

I just finished installing a baseplate from Blue Ox on my 2012 civic. It took me two days. (I am 71 years old) I had one on my 2002 civic and never had a problem. I like the new one better because the removable brackets make it almost invisible.

[floteb]

I installed a Roadmaster bracket set on my 2011 CRV. Took about 4 hours, had to make a very small cut on both sides of the splash shield. They provide good slides on the installation process on the Roadmaster website. Also installed a 4 wire wiring system with diodes. Hooked this up to a Sterling hitch and a Invisibrake system. Works good for me.