Which TOAD for us? Not sure it's the CR-V

[WheelingOn]

We've decided that our next RV will be a smaller (37ish ft) class A but want to buy our TOAD first. We've of course been watching all the RVs here in Port Townsend to see what they are towing and it seems that the Honda CR-V is a favorite.

We test drove a few of them (used) today and were pleased with the ride height vehicle's refinement and comfort but they were a bit disappointing in acceleration and passing performance.

Before combing through the Dinghy Guide once again I thought we'd do well to register here and ask for ideas based on the above and the below:

2005-2010 (highly dependable, out of warranty will be fine)
Ease of use as a TOAD
Can carry 4 comfortably, 5 in relative comfort.
Efficient for commuter duties.
Capable for trailhead access.
Blue Tooth capabilities for phone connections would be nice but I can install an aftermarket stereo to add this if forced to.
OK passing lane performance. (I'v been driving BMWs, Mini Coopers and so on for too long perhaps.)

We're not completely ruling out a used CR-V, but would like to know if we've overlooked a contender.

Thanks!

[JacknKay]

We have a 2015 CR-V and we bought it because of it's tow-ability. It's a great car around town and gets good mileage. It's radio connects via Bluetooth. We probably have at least as much mileage towing as driving at this point. What ever you get, make sure to have a towed car charging line hooked up.


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[greystroke]

Originally Posted by JacknKay

We have a 2015 CR-V and we bought it because of it's tow-ability. It's a great car around town and gets good mileage. It's radio connects via Bluetooth. We probably have at least as much mileage towing as driving at this point. What ever you get, make sure to have a towed car charging line hooked up.


Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum

As I understand the 2015 CRV is not towable with 4 down. Maybe the early versions were but I think 2014 is the last year. Please check your manual.

[Newmar2856]

Before moving to my fifth wheel we had a Class C motor home and towed our 2010 CRV. It's a great little car and gets good gas mileage but it certainly isn't zippy unless you really get into the peddle. I like the car a lot and it has been super reliable and required no maintenance beyond the normal oil changes. If I had a complaint it would be the road noise. If you're looking at new make sure it is 4 down towable. A few forums have reported a transmission change which makes them no longer towable.

Good luck.

[Mrchips]

Pretty sure the 15 CRV is not towable. We tow an 08 CRV and I am pretty sure the 14 was the last year because they changed transmissions in 15.

[greystroke]

Originally Posted by Canyonlands

We're not completely ruling out a used CR-V, but would like to know if we've overlooked a contender.

Thanks!

The FMCA publishes a tow guide for each year back to 2000 so after you narrowed down your choice and if you don't have access to the guide I can send you one for the year you want.

[greystroke]

Originally Posted by Mrchips

Pretty sure the 15 CRV is not towable. We tow an 08 CRV and I am pretty sure the 14 was the last year because they changed transmissions in 15.

The FMCA does not list the new CRVs towable in the 2015 guide because they changed to a different type of transmission. Bad news for me because I was considering trading in my old RX.

[dennis45]

We tow a 2013 and it fits the bill very well. No it's not an NHRA Special but it does what I ask and then some. Only issue I had was dead battery but after installing the larger battery, this car is PERFECT.

BTW, the 2015 models are no longer towable due to a transmission change. The do however have the larger battery as standard.

[jdoc]

We tow a 2014 Jeep Wrangler. Love it.

Jerry

[Daveht]

I love my Honda Toad!

[coupevilleDF]

We now tow a 2012 CRV behind our 35' Georgetown. It's my wife's car and I've heard no complaints about power.

We recently did a trip to Oregon in it without the RV. It was very comfortable to drive and seemed to have plenty of power to me. It has all of the options that you mentioned.

We are just a boat ride from you.

[Pa Miller]

I like our HHR it's a good little toad ... thats what we bought it for and all we use it for. Just pull a fuse and hook it up I added extra led lights to the back that hook strait up to the MH.... pulls easy fun to drive .

[brian-nicola]

Jeep Wrangler
v6-275HP (lots of giddy up)
Towable 4 down
All the comforts
Good sound system & BT
You may want the 4dr version

[JacknKay]

Oops you are correct it's a 2014. We just bought a 2015 Allegro and I'm still mixed up. Sorry.