Community Forums

doc · 07-09-2020, 10:22 AM

It is becoming harder to put my wife into the Wrangler due to the height of the seats. I have been looking at Hondas because we towed an Element for years before the Wrangler and it was great.
Problem is, I see where people are towing the FIT which would be a good choice size and weight wise, then find out it is not suitable for a 'recreational tow'. Does this vary from year to year?
We also like the HR-V. Same situation. Same question.
I spend so much time looking up owner's manual that I get disgusted and give up. My local Honda shop is of no help. Sales manager has no idea and the Service manager is so 'I'll get back to you with that', I figure he does not want to commit to anything.
HR-V would be my choice, preowned. Anyone towing either model? Would you make the same choice again?

l1v3fr33ord1 · 07-09-2020, 10:55 AM

doc-

A Honda CR-V or Fit with automatic transmission is flat-towable, if it is model year 2014 or older. 2015 or newer automatic CR-Vs and Fits are not flat-towable.

A few years ago I checked into towing our 2003 Element automatic, and it was flat-towable. Honda made the Element between 2003 and 2011.

I don't know about the HR-V. A 2016 owner's manual says that only the manual-transmission HR-V is flat-towable.

As always, it is wise to confirm in the owner's manual for any particular model year and model. Honda's Web page for owner's manuals is here.

MSHappyCampers · 07-09-2020, 12:27 PM

We towed a 2001 and 2008 Honda Accord until we got older and had trouble getting in and out of them. We went to the Honda CRV and love it! My wife has severe back problems and doesn't have any problem getting in and out. 2014 and earlier are flat towable!

Cousin Ed · 07-09-2020, 01:21 PM

A Cherokee or Grand Cherokee would not have the step-over like a Wrangler.

Arch Hoagland · 07-09-2020, 01:36 PM

Store : Remco

Remco will give you some help.

Crasher · 07-09-2020, 03:43 PM

Our group of retired crazies modify our Jeeps with lifts and taller tires. Some of the women are in their 70's. They use a flip down step that allows them to step up into the Jeep. They then reach down, pick the step up and close the door. One couple installed an electric running board that folds up next to the body when the door is closed. If you like the Jeep, there are ways to help one get into them. My 77 year old wife uses an aluminum 2 step assist I built to get into our offroad Jeep with 43" tires.

Isaac-1 · 07-10-2020, 12:09 AM

A Cherokee may still not be all that easy to get in and out of (we have a 2017 Cherokee), due to the spacing of the side column.

doc · 07-10-2020, 08:51 AM

My problem is my wife has Multiple Sclerosis and has lost the ability to walk or use her legs. I can get her out of the wheel chair or mobility scooter and even in the Wrangler (if I am having a good day) Some days it is just impossible for me to lift her high enough to get her into the seat. The Ram truck that she loves so much has become a total impossibility.

BlueThunder4 · 07-10-2020, 09:56 AM

We just purchased a great low mileage 2013 Honda CR-V for flat towing and it is perfect for us. Very comfortable, lightweight and incredibly easy process to get it prepared to go ie no 15 steps to get the trans in neutral and ready to go. Previously we flat towed a 2016 Ford Explorer, and a 2018 Chevy Colorado and the Honda CRV is by far the best and easiest to tow in our opinion. We would have loved to get a 4 door wrangler but wanted to keep a $16k budget and all the wranglers we could find in that price range were pretty beat up or leaking. The CR V was a good alternative and priced where we needed it to be.