2021 Honda CR-V Owners Manual - Towing a Trailer

Towing a Trailer

■  Towing Load Limits Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving.

Maximum allowable weight of the trailer, cargo, and everything in or on it must not exceed 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Towing loads in excess of this can seriously affect vehicle handling and performance and can damage the engine and drivetrain.

The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded trailer on the hitch should be approximately 10% of the total trailer weight.

Excessive tongue load reduces front tire traction and steering control. Too little tongue load can make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.

To achieve a proper tongue load, start by loading 60% of the load toward the front of the trailer and 40% toward the rear. Readjust the load as needed.

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uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation

■  Towing Equipment and Accessories Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing, and where you are towing.

■  Hitches

The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.

Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.

Recommended for any trailer with a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more: There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes, be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic system, as it will lower braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard.

Many states and provinces/territories require special outside mirrors when towing a trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.

uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation

Trailer light

Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the requirements in the area where you plan to tow.

We recommend that you have a dealer install a Honda wiring harness and converter. They are designed for your vehicle.

The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type and brand. If a connector is required, it should only be installed by a qualified technician.

uuTowing a TraileruDriving Safely with a Trailer

Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.

Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.

2 Towing Load Limits P. 463

Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.

Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while driving.

Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.

Check the pressures of the trailer tires, including the spare.

Turn off the Auto Idle Stop system using the Auto Idle Stop OFF button. The trailer weight can affect your vehicle's brake effectiveness if Auto Idle Stop is activated on a hill while towing a trailer.

Drive slower than normal.

Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.

Use the D position when towing a trailer on level roads.

Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.

Allow more time and distance for braking.

Do not brake or turn suddenly.

uuTowing a TraileruDriving Safely with a Trailer

Driving in Hilly Terrain

Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the white (H) mark, turn off the climate control system and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool down the engine if necessary.

uuTowing a TraileruTowing Behind a Motorhome

Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.

2 Emergency Towing P. 646