Community Forums

Stevepkam · 02-21-2011, 11:41 AM

Have just bought a 2011 Monaco Monarch 33SFS. Gas.
2 Questions:
1. Can I tow a leased car? (Does the tow bar cause some sort of permanent damage?)
2. If yes, can a Monaco Monarch handle a 2011 Honda CRV?

Thanks for your help.

MonacoMama · 02-21-2011, 12:21 PM

Steve ...welcome to the forum! You should make it down to the Monaco Forum real soon to find many other Monaco owners who may be able to help any "brand-specific" questions.

As far as your leased vehicle... You will need to get something in writing from your leasing company to protect you at the end of the lease because it will come down to what they say at the "lease termination" no matter what we tell you here.

With that being said... a tow-bar is an alteration to the vehicle and they can "ding" you for that.

Have you thought about a tow dolly that will not alter the vehicle?

The other question about if the Monarch can tow a Honda - well that depends on many things.

The tow hitch is rated at 5,000 lbs so I am sure the hitch can handle it BUT there are two chassis' for that model - so that will be one determining factor and the other factor is how much stuff you load into the rig. You need to get a 4-corner weigh done once you have your "home" set up and then go from there.

You may want to do a search for "capacity" to learn about just how important not being overweight is.

Again...welcome to the forum!

"

srydve · 02-21-2011, 05:52 PM

You will need to install a base plate before you can tow, you will also need to make some arrangement for the lights on the CRV, then there is the issue of weather you will want or need to install a braking system. I don't know anything about the CRV but I believe it is likely you can undo any changes and return it to stock before returning it to the lease company. If you have to pay someone to do the installs and then pay them again to uninstall it could get pretty expensive. If you can do it yourself then it may be the way to go. If not there is always the dolly option.

Vegasdan · 02-21-2011, 09:13 PM

I think the cost of the base plate and install including the wiring to make the lights work and the cost of a braking system would negate the feasability of this. Not to mention the lease company would not like the idea of someone bolting and then removing a base plate from their car.

Dirtbuster · 02-21-2011, 09:32 PM

My biggest concern would be a mileage discrepancy on the vehicle. Would it make you liable for undocumented miles on the odometer? A lease is usually based mileage!

TXiceman · 02-22-2011, 08:20 PM

I'd buy a tow dolly with electric brakes and not say a word to the lease company. I don't lease vehicles because I can't keep them for 10 years.

ken

jackrobinryan · 02-22-2011, 08:43 PM

I towed a leased 2006 Jeep Liberty for 3+ years with the Blue Ox baseplate, wiring kit and Aventa bar. Could have easily removed what I installed and turned it back in but decided to buy out the lease and hang onto it. That particular base plate kit required no cutting, which would cause some issue w/ a leasing company.

According to Blue Ox,
Blue Ox Baseplate Search Results

a 2011 baseplate for the CR-V requires "some drilling and trimming of the bumper or fascia". Might be so minimal as to not be noticed, if you decide to return the lease. But from what I've heard, it's a nice vehicle...

Regarding mileage, if it doesn't register on the odometer while towing 4 down, it's a non-issue.

Stevepkam · 02-23-2011, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackrobinryan

I towed a leased 2006 Jeep Liberty for 3+ years with the Blue Ox baseplate, wiring kit and Aventa bar. Could have easily removed what I installed and turned it back in but decided to buy out the lease and hang onto it. That particular base plate kit required no cutting, which would cause some issue w/ a leasing company.

According to Blue Ox,
Blue Ox Baseplate Search Results

a 2011 baseplate for the CR-V requires "some drilling and trimming of the bumper or fascia". Might be so minimal as to not be noticed, if you decide to return the lease. But from what I've heard, it's a nice vehicle...

Regarding mileage, if it doesn't register on the odometer while towing 4 down, it's a non-issue.

Thank you very much for the answer. I will check into blue Ox.

jackrobinryan · 02-23-2011, 02:23 PM

Steve,

Also, regarding your second question....make note of any special towing considerations for the particular model of CR-V. GET THE MANUAL OUT AND READ WHAT IT SAYS ABOUT TOWING THAT AUTO. Might be some differences depending on 2WD or 4WD. The gotchas are in the fine print. Look at the dinghy towing guide available online from Motorhome Magazine. Very good reference.

One thing, the heaviest curb weight of the CR-V apears to be about 3350 lbs. More than 1000 lbs lighter than my Liberty. (Wish it could go on a diet.) The monarch with either chassis should handle that well enough.

And make sure you get a good braking system.

Safe and Enjoyable Travels!!

wildtoad · 02-23-2011, 02:45 PM

You might look into an insurance plan that covers excessive dings etc for the leased vehicle. I really don't know much on this just that my son leased a truck one time and got a policy from the dealer that paid for dings, spills, and other items that would normally affect the value of the car. Unfortunately he believed the dealer when he said it would also pay for excess mileage charges.