Whether you already own or are considering a Honda CR-V you are probably asking, can a Honda CR-V tow? Like most outdoor enthusiasts anxious for the next adventure, I researched the towing capability of the Honda CR-V to learn a bit more about what I could hitch-up to this versatile crossover.
The 2019 Honda CR-V has a towing capacity of 1,500-pounds, regardless of trim package. Choose from standard FWD or optional AWD depending on your anticipated towing conditions. The engines of all 2019 CR-Vs pack sufficient towing power, with turbocharger available on the EX and Touring models. Add a tow package for your CR-V to be ready to hitch up and hit the road straight from the dealer.
The Honda CR-V has several standard features that make it a reliable choice as a tow vehicle. With the CR-V you can safely tow small watercraft, campers, and trailers. Take a closer look at how the CR-V’s towing features enable it to tow your gear safely to your next destination.
How Much Can a 2019 Honda CR-V Tow?
Honda’s 2019 CR-V models LX, EX, and Touring have a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. You can refer to the owner’s manual to determine your CR-V’s towing capacity if yours is an earlier model. No matter what you tow, the weight of the load should not exceed the towing capacity of the CR-V.
Does the Honda CR-V Come With a Tow Package?
Regardless of your 2019 CR-V trim model, each CR-V is equipped for a towing capacity of 1,500-pounds. Choose your engine power based on the trim model and add an optional tow package if you prefer.
The tow package includes a receiver-style hitch, drawbar, clip, and hitch harness.
All 2019 CR-V engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with sport mode. The CR-V LX model is equipped with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine providing 184 horsepower and 180-pound-foot of torque. The CR-V EX and Touring models are equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine providing 190 horsepower and 179-pound-foot of torque.
Can you Install an Aftermarket Tow Package on a Honda CR-V?
If your Honda CR-V did not come equipped with a dealer-installed tow package, you can have a tow package professionally installed on your CR-V by a reputable mechanic.
You can also install a tow package yourself. Many online DIY tutorials are available, as well as for instructions provided with any tow package you might purchase such as this CURT Class III for 2012 - 2016 Honda CR-Vs. Be mindful of DIY tow package installations to select a hitch with the towing capacity to accommodate both your vehicle’s towing capacity and the weight of your load.
How Does the Honda CR-V Standard FWD Compare to Optional AWD for Towing?
The 2019 Honda CR-V comes standard with front-wheel-drive. For towing, FWD typically outperforms RWD on slippery road surfaces or rough road surfaces. Front-wheel-drive vehicles have the added weight of front end positioned engine and transmission to improve traction. Front-wheel-drive vehicles also have a mechanical advantage of pulling the vehicle rather than pushing it from the rear end, proving solid towing power. When towing with FWD be mindful of your vehicle’s towing capacity so as not to overload the rear end with a heavy load. Uneven weight distribution can cause instability in your CR-V’s handling.
The 2019 Honda CR-V is available with a Real-Time AWD system. For towing, AWD provides better traction than FWD in slippery road conditions. Honda’s Real Time AWD system automatically transfers power to the rear wheels when a loss of traction is detected. All-wheel-drive can be particularly helpful while towing during slippery conditions while climbing steep inclines, or during acceleration. Remember AWD is not intended to take your CR-V and load off-roading, the system does not have the high clearance and low gear ratios of 4-WD systems.
What towing accessories are available for your Honda CR-V?
The receiver-style hitch installed on the Honda CR-V enables you to easily change the size of the ball mount to couple with any trailer. You can also remove the ball mount and use the receiver hitch to easily mount a hitch style bike rack.
Add a universal towing mirror extension to the driver’s side-view mirror of your Honda CR-V for a clear view of your load. Dual-view towing mirror extensions give you a clear rear view in a large mirror and a spot-view in a smaller, convex mirror.
Can You Tow a Camper With a Honda CR-V?
Campers within the CR-V towing capacity include small pop-ups, miniatures, and teardrops. These shorter base, lightweight campers tend to not over exceed 1,5000-pounds even when fully loaded. The manufacturer can provide the camper’s unloaded weight, maximum carrying capacity, and tongue weight.
Pop-ups
A Honda CR-V can tow most small pop-up campers. Small pop-ups average from 400 to 600-pounds. Examples of small pop-ups include the Sylvan Sport Go, Quicksilver Rock Climber Tent Camper, and Quicksilver Ultra Lightweight.
Pop-ups do vary in size from medium to larger campers averaging 700 to 2,000-pounds so it is important to be mindful of the pop-up’s unloaded weight as larger campers can easily exceed the CR-V’s towing capacity.
Miniatures
Compact campers with enough head-room to stand upright, miniature campers are diverse in style and typically weigh between 500 and 3,000-pounds. The Honda CR-V can tow small-end miniature campers such as the Weiscraft Little Joe, MeerKat, and Escapade.
Teardrops
These uniquely designed, streamlined miniature campers have a strong following among adventurous RV’ers. Teardrops fall under the miniature camper category, with several models weighing less than 1,200-pounds. Examples of teardrops that can easily be towed by the Honda CR-V are the Camp-Inn 550, Droplet, and Papa Bear.
Does Your Camper Need Brakes?
Whether your camper needs brakes depends on individual state’s towing laws and the weight of your camper. Check out AAA’s online digest of motor laws to find out what your state requires.
Hitch-Up Your Honda CR-V
Towing is a vast subject! Check out VEHQ's additional resources for even more information about tow vehicles, towing a camper, and safe towing tips.
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