Towing procedures for a 2012 Honda Civic

[ARFFMAN]

I plan on towing a 2012 Honda Civic from my 39 foot Newmar MH. I'm new to towing from a MH. I'm tossed between a tow dolly or a tow bar, with some type of braking system. I'm leaning towards a tow bar system. I actually have 3 questions:
1) The Pros and cons of Tow bar vs Tow dolly.
2) Does towing all wheels down have vehicles maintenance problems.
3) Is there special procedures for towing a 2012 Honda Civic with auto transmission .
I also have a Toyota T-100 4X4, I may be towing from time to time.

Any help on anyone of these questions would be greatly appreciated. You all have made my Motor Home experience great!

[Mr_D]

Not approved by Honda for for towing four down for one thing, and the dealers do look for brackets, lights etc.
Our '05 Honda Odyssey is also not now approved for four down towing, but was when we bought it. I've towed it both ways behind the same MH. Last year we went to Fresno then over to Phoenix and towed it four down. Put a new battery in just before we left, it went dead three times. Many more chips in the paint. needed wheel alignment and new tires when we got back as the tire edges were worn too much.
So, back to towing it on the dolly.

[amanda_h]

Unfortunately, you also may have a difficult time towing the T-100. It is not "sanctioned" by Toyota for towing (see TSB attached) but I have heard that many Toyota trucks can be successfully towed with modifications. Driveshaft(s) would definitely have to be disconnected or disabled and it would depend on what type of transmission, transfer case, and hubs you have.

I have attached a Toyota TSB on flat-towing from 1999 that gives what models can and can't be towed.

I assume yours is a late 1990s model? ...they stopped making them in the late 90s sometime and went to the Tundra, correct?

-harry

[amanda_h]

Well, this may be coincidence but I just ran into a guy towing a T-100 in an RV park yesterday.

He told me that he uses a Remco disconnect. However, he said that if you're not towing regularly, you can completely remove the rear drive shaft by removing 8 bolts (I think he said). He recommended marking the position so when you put it back in, it will line up correctly. If it's not lined up in the proper position, it will vibrate.

He had Roadmaster base plates. I looked it up and Roadmaster does in fact make one for the T-100. I've attached the Roadmaster fitment guide to this post if you need the kit number.

-harry

[Jeff and Cheryl]

Mr. D,
Two questions:
What kind of supplemental breaking system did you use?
Did you check to make sure that the height from the ground to the tow bar were the same at the van and the MH?