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DogHouse Jim · 07-04-2015, 02:58 PM

the Motor home is a 2000 Bounder 39Z DP, Toad is a 2008 Honda Fit with automatic transmission plan to tow 4 down.

Using a Falcon all terrain Tow bar, with a Invisi Brake.

Have studied the Honda owners manual, understand the the engine start procedures.

There is one question I have, in what position do you leave the sifter in? neutral. Drive or park

BFlinn181 · 07-04-2015, 04:14 PM

As per the Owner's Manual, pg 173-4, "Shift to D position and hold for 5
seconds, then to N. Let the engine
run for 3 minutes, then turn it off."

http://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/p.../AAA0808OM.pdf

Park position will lock the wheels. Drive will leave the wheels engaged, perhaps turning components that aren't lubed without the engine running. Leave it in Neutral, after doing the procedure to prepare it for towing each morning.

**CountryFit** · 07-05-2015, 12:05 AM

your setup is almost the same as mine, except my fit is 2010 and my coach is a country coach. very easy to set up and tow.

when engine is cold, start engine, move shifter to every position before move to D. let the engine run for a minute, then shift to N. run idle for 3 minutes, then to turn off the engine. at this position, you can not pull out key. just leave the key there and you are good to go.

when engine is hot, you don't need to idle for 3 minutes at N.

one caution is - when you are at N, there is no gear or parking engaged. i normally hook up toad first, then go through the procedure as above mentioned.

Arch Hoagland · 07-05-2015, 01:36 AM

When I think every thing is ready to roll I have my wife go back by the toad and watch all the wheels turning while I pull forward slowly.

It's very easy to pull a toad with the wheels locked up.

CountryFit brought up a good point. Hook it up before you put it in neutral.

wallacerm · 07-11-2015, 11:33 AM

2X what others have posted on the procedure. One big recommendation is to put together a checklist and use it. One mistake can cause considerable damage or injury. Include procedures such as having the towed vehicle in Park with the parking brake set any time you are hooking up or disconnecting the toad. It is easy to get into bad habits that work in your level driveway and then experience the awful sensation that goes with seeing your toad roll away.

pattaway · 05-15-2016, 09:59 AM

We purchased a 2013 Honda Fit for our second car and tow vehicle. We love it and it's the best choice for us for these two roles. Here are a few suggestions:
1) Print the tow instructions for towing auto transmissions (page 159 in 2013 manual) and follow it every time you prepare to tow.
2) Before I drive away I always double check that the Fit is in neutral, parking brake is off, and ignition is in accessory.
3) It is a great idea to read everything you can find on Fit towing from these forums, but use this information to help you further understand the checklist in the manual. I've been reading through this topic this morning and have found at least three places where folks are offering their misinterpretations of the procedure. So, read for learning, but follow the procedure from the manual.
4) I travel using both sets of keys for the Fit. One must be left in the ignition. The other I use to lock and unlock the door. When I make a rest stop, I want the doors locked.
5) Have the significant other stand by the vehicle and ensure the wheels are spinning freely. You can also have them check that all the lights on the Fit are working.