Community Forums

jerztime · 05-12-2016, 01:34 PM

We have a 2014 Honda CR-V that we flat tow behind our Allegro Open Road. We have a Blue Ox Avail tow bar and Blue Ox Patriot braking system. We are familiar with the process we have to go through before we tow it - cycling through each gear, then gear in neutral and key in Accessory (just like the manual says). We also understand that, according the the Honda manual, if we tow for eight hours we need to start that 'shifting' process all over. No issues there.
Here is the question: if we stop (say at a rest area, outlet mall) for an hour or more, do we have to start/go through the gear shifting process all over? I called Honda America and all the person on the phone could do was read the manual to me. Thanks, I'm pretty good at reading that on my own. They referred me to my Honda dealer, who originally referred me to Honda America. So I am asking folks here on the forum since unknown you have real experience at this. Thanks!

BillL · 05-12-2016, 02:03 PM

I've gotten into the habit of going through the gear procedure every 2-4 hours, depending on when we stop. Probably don't have to, but I'd rather do it to often than not enough. Doesn't take that long. I usually do it while my wife makes sure the interior of the coach is ready to go.

jerztime · 05-12-2016, 02:09 PM

Bill,
Just to make sure I'm clear - you go through the set process again even if you just stop for a little bit - 30 minutes to an hour - like for Gas, rest stop to stretch your legs, walk the dog, etc). Thanks. It's helpful to know what others do, and I'm all for caution!

Ron_H · 05-12-2016, 03:41 PM

Page 236 of your CR-V's Owner's manual states the following:

■ Extended towing
If you tow more than eight hours in one day, you should
repeat the “before towing your vehicle procedure” at least
every eight hours.

Our CR-V, a 2008 model, states the exact same thing. My DW usually starts reminding me of the 8 hour limitation at about hour 5. I have found an easy solution for this however is to stop and let her run through the process, which takes 3 to 4 minutes.

coupevilleDF · 05-12-2016, 04:12 PM

When we are going to be away from the MH for a period of time, we turn off the car and remove the key. You have to put it in park to remove the key so that triggers the beginning of day process for us when we return . It only takes a couple of minutes, so why not?

We have also started the car for a while in those situations to charge the battery. Now that we have recently installed the fuse bypass switch, that may not be necessary, time will tell.

Daveht · 05-12-2016, 07:25 PM

I go through the process when we are ready to brake camp in the morning everyday. On the other hand I only drive 3-4 hrs a day getting to our destination.

I get tired easy and that is my limit.

Mr_D · 05-12-2016, 07:28 PM

We use the CR-V towing procedure on our '05 Ody. So far it's at 106,000+ on the odometer and about 40,000 more towing. No problems so far other than needing a charge line to keep the battery from going dead.

mrfix · 05-13-2016, 06:25 PM

We tow a 1997 honda accord wagon on a master tow dolly, we have towed the honda over 15000 miles in all kinds of weather chips and road dirt are a normal part of towing, I would not feel comfortable with a new car back there.
Mrfix

Bobb.25 · 05-13-2016, 06:37 PM

i tow the 2014 CRV with the same Blue Ox equipment. I don't drive more than six or seven hours a day. We do not go through the set up process after a lunch/rest stop because to do so would require removing the Patriot brake box to allow me access to the brake pedal for shifting. That is simply more trouble than I want to go through. So far no problem. I did change the tranny fluid at the two year mark.
Bob

MSHappyCampers · 05-14-2016, 10:08 AM

The manual does say 8 hours, but we usually go through the procedure again when we stop for lunch!

F4Gary · 05-14-2016, 11:14 AM

Looks like you got the full spectrum of advise, from don't need to do it

, to get a different older toad

.

I go through it when we do a lunch stop, but I just started towing and am a little paranoid about it.

aa9zz · 05-16-2016, 07:22 PM

My manual states the procedure should be repeated at least every 300 miles. I try to do it every three hours which is when we stop to eat or rest area to walk the dog.

Phil