|
(I have received dozens and dozens of questions about towing a Honda CR-V and especially about the 2007 CR-V we recently bought. I have written this article to answer most of those questions.) In August 1999 we bought a new 1999 Honda CR-V model EX (top of line then) with an automatic transmission and AWD (all wheel drive) to tow behind our motorhome. We selected the CR-V based on its reliability and easy of towing. All we had to do to tow it was connect it to the motorhome with a tow bar, connect the wiring to the tail lights and run the transmission through the gears and leave it in neutral. For over seven and a half years we towed the CR-V over 81,000 miles and drove it another 120,000 miles. During all those miles it had only one problem and that was a dead battery at the seven year mark. But there was one sad day for the CR-V. In 2000 in South Dakota hail the size of golf and tennis balls left about 300 dents and destroyed most body panels. We had to replace the hood, roof, a fender and rework other panels and have the entire CR-V painted - $5,000 in damage. That CR-V was a real trooper and it took
us all over the USA, across Canada and into Mexico. We often left paved
roads and drove across deserts, took abandoned mining roads to tops of
mountains, drove on sandy beaches and to Linda’s dismay, we drove on the
sides of canyon walls while peering into valleys thousands of feet below.
But the time came to trade, not because the CR-V was getting old, but because we just “wanted” a new vehicle. Whoever bought that CR-V got a good small SUV and I’m sure it had at least another 100,000 trouble free miles left. In February a new 2007 Honda CR-V, model EX with AWD entered our lives and it will be our tow and touring vehicle the next eight years or more. We loved our 99 CR-V, but the new one is a luxury small SUV compared to the old one. We bought a Borrego Beige color and it has a larger engine with more torque, a five sped automatic transmission, a computer display showing outside temperature, average miles per gallon, miles to empty, a low tire air pressure monitor system, and even tells us when to change the oil, filters and other fluids. The tires have been upgraded to 17", the radio and sound system improved, and being several hundred pounds heavier than the 99, it rides and drives much better. Honda has done a great job of making the 07 CR-V one of the safest vehicles on the road and it earned a 5 crash safety rating in both frontal and side impact crashes. It contains a total of 12 air bags and has “vehicle stability control” that controls skids. If we get into a skid the Honda’s computer takes over controlling the engine and braking and can even apply braking on one wheel only. Once the skidding has been corrected control is given back to the driver. It is amazing how Honda has kept the price down on the 2007 CR-V. Since 1999 they have increased the performance, the luxury level, safety ratings and features, but only raised the price an average of 1.8% a year. I sure wish motorhome manufacturers would do the same thing. We bought the CR-V in Louisville, Kentucky and I ordered a Blue Ox baseplate and wiring kit from Towing World and had it shipped to the campground where we were staying. But with our busy schedule and the extremely cold weather and snow I could not get the CR-V ready to tow behind the motorhome. I drove the motorhome to southern Alabama and Linda followed in the CR-V the entire 640 miles. It got 31.1 miles per gallon on that 640 mile trip. My sister Gloria and husband Don Martin arrived
in Alabama the same day and he agreed to help install the baseplate. From
the instructions I knew it would be a difficult install and it was actually
harder than I thought it would be. We removed the entire front end of the
CR-V, moved brackets and cooling lines and then removed the internal bumper.
Using a power saw, Dremel tool, a drill and our brains, we cut and hammered
away parts of the bumper and frame until the baseplate fit snugly. We drilled
holes through hardened steel and torqued the bolts using Loctite to assure
the baseplate will never come loose. Then we reinstalled the bumper, cooling
lines and the front of the CR-V and I must say we did a great job and the
baseplate can hardly be seen through the bumper.
For the lighting we installed separate bulbs
in the tail lights, snapped in the bulb assemblies and ran the wiring to
the front of the CR-V where we installed the receptacle. I later installed
a Brake Buddy break-a-way switch and wiring.
I wanted to customize the CR-V so Don assisted
in installing fog lights, a tailgate spoiler, body side moldings and a
chrome exhaust pipe. I bought these items from a Honda dealer that sells
discount Honda parts. It was a lot of work getting the CR-V ready for towing
behind the motorhome and customizing it, but I love doing that type of
work and it saved money too. Several 2007 CR-V owners have told me they
paid between $500 and $800 in labor to have a baseplate and wiring installed
so I saved that amount of money and I know mine is installed correctly.
|
