honda cr-v as a toad (cost)

[Kuba]

Hello everyone,

I've bought recently a used MH which comes with a tow bar (Road-master Falcon) and now I would like to prepare my Honda cr-v to be my toad. I have order the right mount bracket ($350) and now trying to find out how much it will cost to install the mount bracket. In one shop they want $350 for labor for mount bracket and $500 for electric wiring.
Does it sound right to you?
Thanks

[CLIFFTALL]

If the $500 is for both , yes.

[Old drag racer]

$500 for just the wiring is waaay too much.

[Old Scout]

Sounds a bit high but depends on much effort they spend to hide the wires going back to the rear. Curious--what year is your CR-V? Understand the newer CR-Vs with the constant velocity tranny are no longer towable>>>>>>>

[bdickson]

I had a CR-V set up for towing 3 years ago. I was charged 6 hours labor for baseplate and wiring harness installation. At today's service center rates of around $110 to $120 per hour, I'd pay around $700. So, the OP's $850 is high but not outrageous in my opinion.

[Kuba]

Originally Posted by Old Scout

Sounds a bit high but depends on much effort they spend to hide the wires going back to the rear. Curious--what year is your CR-V? Understand the newer CR-Vs with the constant velocity tranny are no longer towable>>>>>>>

it's 2008 (sorry, I didn't specify that)

[MSHappyCampers]

I paid $500 to a local truck accessories shop to install my baseplate, ReadyBrake cables, breakaway cables, and wiring!

[PbdBlue]

I installed the bracket on our 2013 CR-V and there was quite a bit of disassembly involved so $350 for that portion seems reasonable. Hopkins makes a custom toad wiring harness for the CR-V. It's $80 and is basically plug n play. No cutting, splicing, etc needed. Easy 1 hour install.

https://www.etrailer.com/Tow-Bar-Wir...id=20081351047

[Kuba]

Originally Posted by PbdBlue

I installed the bracket on our 2013 CR-V and there was quite a bit of disassembly involved so $350 for that portion seems reasonable. Hopkins makes a custom toad wiring harness for the CR-V. It's $80 and is basically plug n play. No cutting, splicing, etc needed. Easy 1 hour install.

https://www.etrailer.com/Tow-Bar-Wir...id=20081351047

Thank you. I didn't know about the Hopkins wiring. Good to know!

All the best,
Kuba

[Kuba]

I have the Honda in service now. I just came back from 1-month contract in China, and have only 6 days to prepare the MH (we got in July) and the Honda (which my DW bought a few weeks ago, so we have a toad). Barely managed to replace the tires in the couch (6xFirestone, $3400 with tax & labor at the local truck shop), cause every place is booked. I also barely managed to schedule an appointment with the car service to mount the mount bracket. If i had more time, I would search for a cheaper shop, but I am hitting the road Friday Sep 9, my first concert will be in Mt.Vernon OH Sep 10th. Btw, if you are in the area, You are invited!! I will get you free tickets!
Thank you guys for all responds. I will post the whole cost after the installation.

[jpstakun]

Shop around. Truck shops might be a good start or a good locally operated garage.

Still using my 2002 CRV with Roadmaster towing equipment. Thought of trading for something new, but the cost of new brackets and wiring turned me off. This SUV still runs good with 97K on the clock and over 50K towing.

[Kuba]

So I started my concert tour about 10 days ago. I'm still learning about operating my MH (they are so many things to learn and I love it). Back to the Honda. The shop in Nashville had charged me about $1100 for installation of the mount bracket, road master receiver, wiring, labor and tax. I also find a little bit high, but I had no choice. They took the Honda for a whole Thursday and the next morning I was driving 8 hours to play my first concert in Mount Vernon, OH (it went great btw ) ).
Here is another problem I ran into: my Honda's battery dies every time I tow it. I use a roadmaster "Even brake system". Yesterday I bought a new battery in Walmart and after driving 4 hours without the EvenBrake!, the new battery was almost dead (couldn't start the engine). I really don't know what's going on :/
I have a 6 pin connection cord which is connected to the MH. I disconnect the battery in the Honda and all lights still work powered by the MH.
Should I unplug the cord for every stop?? Is the Honda battery being overcharged by any chance??
I start the Honda every day (unfortunately force to use jump cables) and perform the pre-towing procedure before towing every time.
Thank you for your help!
Kuba

[dverstra]

Check your Honda owners manual. On my 2013 CRV, I am supposed to pull a fuse. I have installed a switch to bypass that fuse instead. A lot of owners have installed a "charge line" in their wiring. Your Motorhome will not charge your Honda battery without this.

[JCM]

Run a charge line from the coach and change out the battery to a #24 - use a plastic battery holder from an Oddsy ($10) and all will be well.