What Size Camper Can a Honda CRV Pull

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

A flexible SUV capable of performing a variety of duties is the Honda CRV. We previously had a first-generation CRV, which was a fantastic vehicle that suited my family well.

We can attest firsthand to the fact that it functions more like an SUV than a car and is an excellent choice for camping and towing a camper. While it has ample cargo room for all your camping gear and excellent fuel economy, there may be aspects that some dislike.

To ensure the safety of both you and your CRV during a towing journey, there are several important considerations to understand and keep in mind.

Understanding your vehicle's towing capacity and the options available, whether you have a truck or an SUV, can help you pull your camper to the location you desire.

Thanks to advancements in lightweight materials, modern campers have become light enough that almost any contemporary SUV, including your CRV, can tow a small travel trailer.

Towing with your Honda CRV

It doesn't matter whether you opt for the front-wheel drive or the all-wheel drive version; the Honda CRV can tow or haul a trailer weighing up to 1,500 pounds.

To optimize the engine's performance, you should engage sports mode. However, it's important to note that the hybrid version is not suitable for towing due to its lower gas engine horsepower and torque.

Additionally, it's crucial to have the Honda tow package pre-installed. This package includes factory-installed wiring, cooling components, and other essential parts.

It's preferable for these components to be added in the plant during manufacturing because adding them afterward can be difficult and expensive.

Remember that CRVs are not typically used for towing, so your dealer might need to purchase a vehicle specifically outfitted for this purpose.

Understanding weight terminology

Before we dive into the definitions, let's discuss the intricacies of towing, especially when it comes to pulling a travel trailer. Towing a travel trailer involves additional considerations as your engine must:

• Handle its own weight
• Support the weight of passengers
• Provide enough acceleration to keep up with traffic, tackle hills, and navigate various road conditions
• Carry the weight of gear stored both in the vehicle and the RV
• Pull the weight of the RV itself

The cumulative weight places significant stress on the engine, transmission, and other vehicle components. If you push your CRV to its towing capacity limit, you'll notice the rear end of the SUV approaching the ground and experiencing sluggish acceleration.

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Ideally, the best towing scenario involves only one or two passengers and minimal gear. Now, let’s delve into some key weight-related terminology:

Dry weight

Refers to the unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) and represents the RV's weight when it's empty.

Wet weight or curb weight

Once you add fluids like freshwater and propane, the RV is considered wet and ready for camping. It's advisable to travel with only half or a third of your freshwater tank filled for safety reasons. A gallon of water weighs approximately 8.34 pounds, so having some water on hand for emergencies is prudent.

Cargo carrying capacity (CCC)

The CCC represents the amount of cargo weight an RV can accommodate. Some RV manufacturers refer to this as the net cargo capacity (NCC).

Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)

The GVWR is the maximum combined weight of the RV, including gear, passengers, and other loaded items. Manufacturers are required to publish this maximum weight in compliance with industry governing authorities.

Gross axle weight rating (GAWR)

The GAWR is similar to the GVWR but pertains specifically to how much weight the RV's axle can safely support. Since most teardrops lack stabilizer jacks, the axle serves as the primary support for the coach.

The GAWR is typically specified in teardrop specifications and can be considered the GVWR for this particular category.

What is in the Honda CRV towing package

While there isn't an official Honda CRV towing package as such, you can easily obtain the components commonly found in a tow package from our parts center. These include:

• Draw bar
• Retaining pin
• Clip
• Trailer hitch ball (available in 2-inch or 17.8-inch sizes)
• Honda CRV tow hitch (commonly referred to as the trailer hitch harness)

Honda CRV accessories

Now that we have determined our maximum towing capacity, let’s explore the essential accessories you'll need to tow your camper with confidence.

Fortunately, the CRV offers an available tow package equipped with advanced technology to enhance your towing experience. The Honda CRV towing package includes:

• A receiver-style Honda CRV tow hitch
• A drawbar
• A clip
• A hitch harness

In addition to the tow package, your CRV boasts several advanced features designed to make towing safer and more manageable:

Hill start assist

This system prevents rollback when transitioning from the brake to the gas pedal on a hill.

Real-time AWD with intelligent control system

Available intelligent all-wheel drive optimizes torque distribution to each wheel, ensuring better road contact and control, regardless of the terrain.

Vehicle stability assist (VSA) with traction control

This feature expertly maintains traction on slippery road surfaces and during cornering.

Brake assist

It actively monitors surrounding traffic and adjusts the brakes to help you avoid collisions. To complete your towing setup, you'll need a trailer hitch, which can be installed at either a Honda dealership or a camper dealership.

Typically, a 2" receiver will suffice for most trailering needs, although a 1.25" receiver may be suitable for smaller campers. The hitch receiver will mount just below your bumper, providing better clearance and minimizing the risk of contact while driving.

Additionally, you'll need a wiring harness, which enables you to connect your camper while towing. This harness ensures that your camper has functioning brake lights and tail lights. For your size camper, a 4-pin wiring harness should suffice.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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