Towing 4-down

[MSHappyCampers]

Well I guess I posted this question in the wrong place (Class A MH) so maybe the moderators will delete it there. I am considering the purchase of a Class A and want to know for sure whether a 2001 Honda Accord can be towed with all four wheels on the ground. Is there a guide somewhere with this information? I did a search with no results. Thanks!

[jettyjock]

try remco towing

[Not a Clue]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers Well I guess I posted this question in the wrong place (Class A MH) so maybe the moderators will delete it there. I am considering the purchase of a Class A and want to know for sure whether a 2001 Honda Accord can be towed with all four wheels on the ground. Is there a guide somewhere with this information? I did a search with no results. Thanks!

The best place to look is the owners manual if you have it.

[Steve N Sal]

remcotowing.com

[GaryKD]

Hi MSHappyCampers,
To emphasize the previous post, the owner's manual is the only place where the manufacturer makes a statement about towing 4 down. The statement should be legally binding.

The The Remco site also offerers guidance for specific vehicles.

[bill2011]

I believe there is such a guide published annually by FMCA such that if they published that back in 2001you should find it there.

[bill2011]

Google FMCA Towing Guide Index

[justaroamer]

A few years back, Blue Ox had a guide posted on their website, maybe the same as above.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers Well I guess I posted this question in the wrong place (Class A MH) so maybe the moderators will delete it there. I am considering the purchase of a Class A and want to know for sure whether a 2001 Honda Accord can be towed with all four wheels on the ground. Is there a guide somewhere with this information? I did a search with no results. Thanks!

You didn't say if it was a stick or auto trans, assuming it's an auto in my answer.

According to the FMCA 2001 Towing Guide it is NOT approved for four down towing. That said, you can probably tow it by using the the same instructions as the CR-V, our '05 Odyssey seems to be that way. Not approved by Honda but people are still doing it and don't seem to be having problems. We have a dolly but also have it set to tow four down, out of warranty now and I've towed it a few hundred miles with no problems (other than towing it with the parking brake on!) rebuilt the brakes due to that.

From the 1999 FMCA Towing Guide:

Quote:

Honda owners manuals advise against towing at more than 35 mph or for more than 50 miles. However, this recommendation exists primarily because Honda has not conducted formal towing tests of their cars at higher speeds and for greater distances. We are not aware of any particular problems being caused by towing any 1988 or prior year Honda/Acura automobile, with either manual or automatic transmission, with or without power steering, regardless of towing speed or mileage. 1989 and subsequent model year Honda/Acura automobiles have minor changes to the automatic transmission. If a 1989 or subsequent model year Honda/Acura must be towed with the front or all four wheels on the ground, we recommend the following before towing: 1. Check to be sure the transmission fluid level is full. 2. Release the parking brake. 3. Start the engine. 4. Shift the transmission from Park to Drive. 5. Shift from Drive to Neutral. 6. Turn off the engine; leave the key in the Accessory (I) position. 7. Make sure the radio and all accessories are turned off. NOTICE: The steering system can be damaged if the steering wheel is locked. Always leave the key in the Accessory (I) 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. We do recommend starting the engine and shifting the automatic transmission, if so equipped, through the gears approximately every 500 miles and shifting from Drive to Neutral before shutting off the engine. For all manual transmission automobiles, release the parking brake, shift the transmission to neutral, and turn the ignition key to the Accessory (I) position to release the steering wheel lock. Make sure that the radio and all accessories are turned off. Although experience has shown that the Honda/Acura transmission and powertrain are capable of being “motorhome towed,” American 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