Can a 2001 Honda Accord be towed 4-down?

[MSHappyCampers]

We are considering the purchase of a Class A and want to know where I can find out FOR SURE whether or not a 2001 Honda Accord can be towed with all four wheels on the ground.

Moderator, please delete this post. I have reposted in over in the towing section. Thanks!

[62_inrightlane]

I don't have an answer for you but you can take a look at Motorhome Magazine's annual towing guide. Here's a link:

Dinghy Towing and Dinghy Guide

[jettyjock]

try remcotowing.com

They say yes

[Wanabee FTer]

This seems to be debatable depending on who you are talking to.
Remco towing has a great site with an application chart to show what mods are needed to be able to tow 4 down. The Accord is tow-able as is.

The owners manual states the vehicle is tow-able 4 down for 50 miles under 35 miles per hour, but this is only because Honda did not perform 4 down tow testing on this model. Honda did perform extensive 4 down testing on the CRV, and added 4 down tow info to the owners manual.

I worked for Honda for many years in the service department and saw many Accords being towed 4 down without incident.

I would not tow my Honda if I thought I was damaging it in any way.

[Clay L]

The Accord was towable until 2005. I have towed my 1999 for over 70,000 miles so far.
There is a specific procedure you must follow to prevent transmission damage though.

Below is a copy of a letter I got from Honda in 2002.
"02/22/02
(all models except CR-V)

Dear customer:
Regarding your inquiry on towing your Honda or Acura automobile behind a motorhome:
For your vehicle, the Owner's Manual advises against towing at more than 35 m.p.h or for more than 50 miles. However, this recommendation exists primarily because Honda has not conducted formal tests at higher speeds and for greater distances.
We are not aware of any particular problems being caused by motorhome towing of Honda/Acura automobiles with either manual or automatic transmission, so long as proper pre-towing preparations are made and the vehicle is towed at legal highway speeds.

Manual Transmission

When preparing to tow your vehicle, make sure the transmission is full of fluid. Do not overfill.
• Release the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission to Neutral.
• Turn the ignition key to the ACCESSORY (1) position to release the steering wheel lock. Make sure that the radio and all accessories are turned off.

Automatic Transmission

When preparing to tow your vehicle, make sure the transmission fluid level is full. Do not overfill.
If Honda/Acura automobile with an automatic transmission is towed with the front or all four wheels on the ground, you must do the following every day immediately before towing:
• Start the engine.
• Press on the brake pedal. Shift the lever through all the positions (P,R,N,D,2,1).
• Shift to D, then to N. Let the engine run for at least three minutes, then turn off engine.
• Release the parking brake.
• Leave the ignition switch in ACCESSORY (1) 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.
If you travel more than 8 hours in one day (including stopping time), you must stop and repeat the above procedures.
NOTICE:
The steering system can be damaged if the steering wheel is locked. Always leave the key in the ACCESSORY (1) position to prevent damage to the steering system when towing behind another vehicle.
CAUTION:
Severe automatic transmission damage will occur if the car is shifted from reverse to neutral and then towed with the drive wheels on the ground.

NOTICE:

Improper towing preparation will damage the transmission. Follow the above procedure exactly. If you cannot shift the transmission or start the engine, your vehicle must be on a flat bed truck or trailer.

If you tow a Honda/Acura vehicle with automatic transmission, the fluid must be changed every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Although experience has shown that the Honda/Acura transmission and power train are capable of being "motorhome towed", America Honda does not assume responsibility for any vehicle damage or liabilities incurred due to the towing device, towing vehicle, lighting hookup, or other towing equipment or towing procedures; any responsibility for these items is assumed by the owner/operator.
If you have additional questions, please call American Honda Motor Co. Inc. (National Consumer Affairs) at 800-999-1009. "