Community Forums

GMA385 · 06-28-2018, 06:58 PM

I am going to be looking at a used 2008 Honda CRV today to use as a toad. It is all set up for towing and will come with everything needed to tow.(Roadmaster Tow Bar is included, with an SMI Air Force One braking system) Has anyone had any experience with this vehicle first hand or know of anyone who has? It is in excellent shape with 110,000 miles. Thanks for any input. By the way the asking price is $9500

WILDEBILL308 · 06-28-2018, 08:07 PM

I am towing a CR-V and have no problems towing it. The only problem I see is if you don't get the auxiliary air pump and tank you may need one. If you had a diesel you could plug into the coach air system.
On the CR-V the only caution is, when putting it into neutral before towing ALWAYS go into neutral from drive. NEVER go into neutral from Reverse.

Just read and follow your owner's manual.
Enjoy a great toad.
Bill

lrsses · 06-28-2018, 08:10 PM

You also buy a Ready Brake works great no pumps no tanks just a cable you also add a light on your RV dash to light up once you apply the brakes

Notayurt · 06-28-2018, 09:08 PM

We have towed our 2008 CR-V (now with 98,000 miles) untold thousands of miles without issues by following the instructions in the owners manual regarding warmup, and shifting through the gears, as mentioned in the post above. Before that, we towed a 2005 Honda Element all over the country without problems -- it had essentially the same running gear as the newer CR-V. Follow the instructions for towing and you will have no problems. The fact that the toad you are considering is already set up with a base plate, supplemental braking and a tow bar is a big plus. If the wiring is in place for the brake, turn, and running lights as well, you will be ready to go without buying some other vehicle and then dealing with the add-on towing modifications and costs. Get it looked at by a trusted mechanic and if it looks like a well cared for Honda, go for it. These 4 cylinder Hondas are bullet-proof reliable if given reasonable care.

GMA385 · 06-29-2018, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Notayurt

We have towed our 2008 CR-V (now with 98,000 miles) untold thousands of miles without issues by following the instructions in the owners manual regarding warmup, and shifting through the gears, as mentioned in the post above. Before that, we towed a 2005 Honda Element all over the country without problems -- it had essentially the same running gear as the newer CR-V. Follow the instructions for towing and you will have no problems. The fact that the toad you are considering is already set up with a base plate, supplemental braking and a tow bar is a big plus. If the wiring is in place for the brake, turn, and running lights as well, you will be ready to go without buying some other vehicle and then dealing with the add-on towing modifications and costs. Get it looked at by a trusted mechanic and if it looks like a well cared for Honda, go for it. These 4 cylinder Hondas are bullet-proof reliable if given reasonable care.

Thanks for your input. I ended up buying it! As you stated with it being all set up for towing was a big plus. The previous owner really took his time in explaining the hook ups and the procedure for shifting. It's in amazing shape for it's age and was well cared for and always serviced by a Honda dealer. I'm confident I will get many years of use out of it. Thanks again and safe travels.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 06-29-2018, 06:10 AM

Gary-

You may have missed it, but "Bill" pointed out in post #2 that you likely will need to add equipment to your coach to use the Air Force One (AFO) braking system in the toad. That's because the AFO is designed to work behind air-brake-equipped coaches, and your coach has hydraulic brakes. Accordingly, you would need to add an air supply with appropriate tie-in to the braking system on the coach.

Demco bought the SMI product line. They sell a braking system for non-air-equipped coaches like yours- the Stay-in-Play Duo. At one time, SMI offered a trade-in programs so that swapping between the AFO and the Duo (or vice-versa) was somewhat less expensive. You may want to call Demco and see what your options are. Their number is (800) 543-3626.

If you go the swap-out route someone will have to remove the AFO and install the Duo. If that's not you, then you'll be paying someone else to do it.

We have the Duo on our toad. It's a great system.

You always have the option of installing/using a different braking system, and leaving the AFO in place for when you buy a diesel pusher with air brakes.

GMA385 · 06-29-2018, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by l1v3fr33ord1

Gary-

You may have missed it, but "Bill" pointed out in post #2 that you likely will need to add equipment to your coach to use the Air Force One (AFO) braking system in the toad. That's because the AFO is designed to work behind air-brake-equipped coaches, and your coach has hydraulic brakes. Accordingly, you would need to add an air supply with appropriate tie-in to the braking system on the coach.

Demco bought the SMI product line. They sell a braking system for non-air-equipped coaches like yours- the Stay-in-Play Duo. At one time, SMI offered a trade-in programs so that swapping between the AFO and the Duo (or vice-versa) was somewhat less expensive. You may want to call Demco and see what your options are. Their number is (800) 543-3626.

If you go the swap-out route someone will have to remove the AFO and install the Duo. If that's not you, then you'll be paying someone else to do it.

We have the Duo on our toad. It's a great system.

You always have the option of installing/using a different braking system, and leaving the AFO in place for when you buy a diesel pusher with air brakes.

Thanks for the input. The duo system is installed as the previous owner was towing with hydraulic brakes. He did mention the ability to switch to air brakes if needed. I'm new to toads so I will double check everything. Thanks again!