Community Forums

Stiltner · 09-17-2020, 06:16 PM

I have a 14 CRV. I get an unexplained, significant burning plastic smell after I disconnect from towing. It clears up after a day or so, but I'm still stumped as to why....so is the Honda dealer who has flushed the transmission and inspected the entire front end.

06Alley · 09-17-2020, 06:19 PM

I agree with all the posted comments, but will add two points:
1. I used the towable kit from Roadmastet that use a battery disconnect and auxiliary electric brakes.
2. Suggest you stop every 200 miles and start the car, run it thru the gears before you resume you trip.
We have run our CRV for 4 years without any problems.

cgromada · 09-17-2020, 06:32 PM

If you are looking for a different toad: We tow a 2015 Chevy Malibu. Simply shift through the gears to neutral, turn key off, flip three switches at the dash and good to go. It is an automatic transmission and factory authorized to be toad four down. It is also for sale.

mbrooking · 09-17-2020, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stiltner

I have a 14 CRV. I get an unexplained, significant burning plastic smell after I disconnect from towing. It clears up after a day or so, but I'm still stumped as to why....so is the Honda dealer who has flushed the transmission and inspected the entire front end.

We get that as well... I believe it is just dirt grime, on engine or brakes that needs to burn off.

Domenick123 · 09-17-2020, 06:50 PM

Just so you know. 2014 was the last year that the CRV could be towed.

jerichorick · 09-17-2020, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stiltner

I have a 14 CRV. I get an unexplained, significant burning plastic smell after I disconnect from towing. It clears up after a day or so, but I'm still stumped as to why....so is the Honda dealer who has flushed the transmission and inspected the entire front end.

I sometimes smell something like a drive belt chafing. I wonder if it is coming from the coach?

mlpeloquin · 09-17-2020, 07:29 PM

We tow a 2014 Honda CRV. The Palazzo has a thirty amp fuse for the tow cable power. I installed a 15 amp in the line on the CRV side and also installed a 10 amp DC to DC battery charger. This isolates the CRV from the RV and keeps the CRV battery fully charged. I do not have to pull any fuse or turn of the radio.

Kluffinator · 09-17-2020, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronboatplane

All after 14 switched to a cv transmissions so no go after 2015. Mine is a low mileage CRV 2013 and hopefully will trail for many years. One caution is drain all you can of the transmission fluid (3.5) quarts regularly as these Honda’s have no Transmission filters and depend on 1/3 capacity fresh oil infusion regularly for smooth operation. I buy the Honda fluid on line and use 3.5 quarts each time. This is true for towed units or non towed cars. The easier than oil change is accomplished as follows: pull the transmission fluid drain and let out as much as you can. Remember only 1/3 of the fluid is accessible. Replace the plug and add same amount with an appropriate funnel through the dipstick hole. Owners of Honda’s are notorious for not performing this simple maintenance and then complaining about jerky operation. If you buy a CRVS used be prepared to do three cycles of changes to achieve the silky smooth performance. So yes these make great tows. Too bad Honda stopped using this transmission compatable with our hobby.

Are you positive that these Honda’s have no transmission filter? My read of the CRV Owners Club forum suggests otherwise. One is internal accessible only with dropping the tranny and the other is an in-line that is rather difficult to access.

I agree with your process and I do the thing. Runs great. But I use Castrol TransMax Import. Very happy with it.

Mile Marker 42 · 09-17-2020, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lockinload

I'm looking for a different toad. It looks like a CRV Automatic can be towed 4 wheels down, is this accurate? Also I am seeing a speed limit of 65, is that accurate? Thanks for your replies.

Lots of Honda's can be towed 4 down. Saturn Vue models 2005, 2006, 2007 came with the Honda Pilot engine and transmission. We had a 2007. Great tow vehicle with unreal power. We never worried about 65 mph or over and never stopped after a period of time to start it and run through the gears. I pulled 1 fuse everytime we towed it and it was never a problem. Probably the best tow car you could have. Actually, I sold it 3 years ago in favor of a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel 4x4 tow car. Now, I wish I still had it as my 17 year old is in the market for a SUV.

Sonic · 09-17-2020, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kluffinator

Are you positive that these Honda’s have no transmission filter? My read of the CRV Owners Club forum suggests otherwise. One is internal accessible only with dropping the tranny and the other is an in-line that is rather difficult to access.

I agree with your process and I do the thing. Runs great. But I use Castrol TransMax Import. Very happy with it.

They do have an inline transmission filter.
https://www.hondapartsconnection.com...iABEgJnQvD_BwE

bldski · 09-18-2020, 01:57 AM

After reading all of the responses, my suggestion would be get Ford F150 4X4. The set up is really simple, put the truck in neutral, flip the 4 wheel drive from 4 low to 4 high 5 times, leave in neutral and turn the key off (won't go far enough to remove).
Done...puts no miles on the vehicle or drains the battery.

lockinload · 09-18-2020, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericisrael42

Lots of Honda's can be towed 4 down. Saturn Vue models 2005, 2006, 2007 came with the Honda Pilot engine and transmission. We had a 2007. Great tow vehicle with unreal power. We never worried about 65 mph or over and never stopped after a period of time to start it and run through the gears. I pulled 1 fuse everytime we towed it and it was never a problem. Probably the best tow car you could have. Actually, I sold it 3 years ago in favor of a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel 4x4 tow car. Now, I wish I still had it as my 17 year old is in the market for a SUV.

That's what I wanted to hear. I find it hard to believe that 65 mph becomes the magic top speed. I generally run 65 to 70 but 75 is not out of the question on a downhill grade.

FYI, which fuse do you pull and I guess this question is for anyone, but all the talk about dead batteries, why not just pull the fuse instead of installing kill switches?

sailors35 · 09-18-2020, 06:32 AM

Not on my Fiat 500 Sport. Manual Trans, neutral, pull key and go.

UP2LATE · 09-18-2020, 06:55 AM

2014 is the last year that CRVs can be flat towed. Honda changed the transmission for newer cars.

I installed this fuse disconnect switch on our 2014 CRV. Roadmaster 76511 FuseMaster Harness. Makes it really easy to go from driving to tow mode. Needed to drill one hole in the plastic to mount the switch. Attached is a picture. About a 1/2 hour job to do the install.

Here is our checklist for preparing the CRV for towing:

1. Check the transmission fluid level. Make sure the fluid level is between the upper and lower marks.
2. Start the engine.
3. Depress the brake pedal. Move the shift lever slowly through all its positions.
4. Shift to D and hold for five seconds
5. Shift to N and let the engine run for 3 minutes
6. Release the brake pedal
7. Turn the ignition switch to ACCESSORY mode (I). Make sure the steering wheel does not lock.
8. Turn off A/C, radio and headlights. Unplug any chargers.
9. Press fuse cutoff switch to Tow position
10. Double check that transmission is in neutral and steering wheel can turn freely.
11. Lock car on the door handle (to right) with second key.

Consult the owner's manual for exact instructions for your car. Look in the towing section.

65 is the limit on towing. We drive around 62 to be safe.

The limit is 250 miles for towing. After that you have to go thru the preparation sequence to make sure the transmission is lubed.

Hope this helps,

Ed