We are wanting to get a new TOAD and are considering the Honda CRV. We aren't full-timers so it would also be our primary vehicle. If I understand correctly the 2014 model is the last year that can be flat towed, correct? If that is correct, does that include all 2014 models of the CRV - both 2-wheel and all-wheel drive?
If newer models of the CRV can be flat towed please let us know the latest year where that's an option. Also, if any of you have CRVs that are being flat towed please let me know the ins and outs - what front plate and tow bars seem to work the best, braking systems that you like, wiring harnesses, lighting, etc.
If there are already links on this forum that address all of this please point me in their direction. Thanks in advance for your help and suggestions.
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We are wanting to get a new TOAD and are considering the Honda CRV. We aren't full-timers so it would also be our primary vehicle. If I understand correctly the 2014 model is the last year that can be flat towed, correct? If that is correct, does that include all 2014 models of the CRV - both 2-wheel and all-wheel drive?
You understand this correctly - 2014 is the last year that the CR-V was towable; both 2 and all wheel are towable.
2015 and newer have CVT transmissions and are not towable.
You can review the towing guides on Motorhome Magazine's website if you're considering other brands as well.
Location: Over the next hill, around the next curve...
Posts: 5,662
I believe all 2014 Honda CRV's can be towed four down. (If the did have an optional CVT in that year, that vehicle would not work as Toad. But I don't believe they had a CVT in 2014 in the CRV.)
Blue Ox Base Plates are solid, and have a stealth look when the towing tabs are removed.
I like the Stirling All Terrain, with and optional set of Blue Ox Knuckles installed.
In our 2007 CRV, we went with US Gear braking system. It had Proportional Braking, Cockpit Control for force adjustment, as well as manual lever to activate the Toad's brakes. (Handy to have the manual control at take off after first hooking up the toad, to help lock the tow bars in place faster, especially starting off down hill.)
US Gear is in a contest with the patent holder, so not sure if they are either available now, or a smart thing to buy now. If you have a DP, I believe the SMI Air Force One is the unit I would go with today. (If we do buy a new toad in 2018/2019 as we plan, as of now, it would get the Air Force One.).
And of course, opinions will vary. Do your research, make a decision, get it all set to go - then do go have some fun!
Best,
Smitty
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07 Country Coach Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 Roo II was our 04 Country Coach Allure 40' OnDRoad for The JRNY! Enjoy life...
The pre 2015 is an excellent choice for a toad. The only knock might be the OEM battery size particularly if you are going to use one of the braking systems that use the toad battery power to operate it. The upgrade to a larger battery is very easy and costs under $200 to accomplish.
There are many threads regarding the CRV detailing the whole process to tow the CRV.
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2019 Unity LTV CB, pushed by a 2013 Honda CRV, BlueOx Baseplate, Aventa Bar & Patriot Brake
Country Coach Owners Club Solo Rvers Club iRV2 No Limits Club
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 37,725
Bought a friend's 2014 FWD CR-V to replace the '05 Ody that only had 108,000 on the odometer. CR-V was supposedly all set up and only had 6030 miles on it. I found a lot of mistakes in the install though. Next is to rebuild the brakes.
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2009 45' Magna 630 w/Cummins ISX 650 HP/1950 Lbs Ft, HWH Active Air
Charter Good Sam Lifetime Member, FMCA,
RV'ing since 1957, NRA Benefactor Life, towing '21 Jeep JLU Rubicon Ecodiesel
We towed a 2014 CR-V AWD for two years, before upgrading to the Grand Cherokee for more room and real off-road capability. The only problem we had with the Honda was the battery going dead, which we solved with a charge line, and never had a problem again.
Have a 14 CRV AWD as a toad. You have to follow a simple procedure to prep the transmission prior to towing.
Blue ox baseplate and NSA Ready Brute tow bar <---love this system...no mods to the coach except the brake on indicator light on the dash.
Pro shop did the install. Installed a charge line after a dead battery despite having the fuse switch. Also needed a 2" drop down hitch but this will vary with the coach.
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2021 Newmar Ventana 3717 with 2019 Ford Ranger toad
Full timing since 2016
My life goal is to be as smart as the others on this forum.
Check out eTrailer.com the have very goid instructions and video on installing 2014 CR-V base plate and also Air Force One brake.
I'm in the process of setting up a 2014 right now.
I did my last '05 CRV wiring using the separate bulb approach and liked it. You don't tie into the Honda wiring at all.
Honda recommends pulling a fuse to eliminate parasitic load...easier to either install a fuse switch or a 12V line from coach to charge the toad battery...either should work fine no need to do both.
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Don & Marge '13 Newmar Ventana 3433 - '14 CR-V TOAD
'03 Winnebago Adventurer 31Y - SOLD
Check out eTrailer.com the have very goid instructions and video on installing 2014 CR-V base plate and also Air Force One brake.
I'm in the process of setting up a 2014 right now.
I did my last '05 CRV wiring using the separate bulb approach and liked it. You don't tie into the Honda wiring at all.
Honda recommends pulling a fuse to eliminate parasitic load...easier to either install a fuse switch or a 12V line from coach to charge the toad battery...either should work fine no need to do both.
I installed the fuse switch, but it also cut off power to the power socket, therefore, no power to the aux. brake. Gotta bypass that.
!
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