Summer is known as the prime season for road trips. During this season, there is probably nothing more exciting than packing up all your favorite gadgets and hitting the open road with your closest family and friends. Therefore, is it possible to tow a Honda Pilot behind a motorhome?
Thanks to the wide variety of motorhomes and campervans available in the US market, traveling and exploring throughout the US is easier and more comfortable. They allow you to carry the comforts of home with you, regardless of where you are going. You will not experience any lost luggage and no additional baggage fees whatsoever. Did you know you can also tow your Honda Pilot behind a motorhome?
Can you tow a Honda Pilot behind a motorhome?
Motorhomes are a pleasant, reliable, and effective means of traveling to any destination in the world. However, if you want to make quick runs for groceries or sightseeing trips, it might be easier to use a more compact set of wheels. The availability of a smaller car or truck makes it much easier to move from one place to another.
You can flat tow any vehicle behind an RV using a trailer. However, ensure the vehicle's weight facilitating the two does not exceed the recommended towing capacity of the motorhome. This form of towing is not popular, mainly because of the need for additional storage, and buying a trailer adds to your expenses.
The ideal form of towing is ‘dinghy' towing, also known as ‘4-down towing' or flat towing, whereby a ‘dinghy' car rolls behind a motorhome on all four wheels. Depending on the vehicle model, refer to your owner's manual to ascertain whether the car is appropriate for flat-towing and if you need extra accessories to make it possible. Here is a list of vehicles that you can tow behind an RV.
What vehicles can you tow behind an RV?
2016 Jeep Wrangler
The 2016 Jeep Wrangler is one of the most versatile SUV's available in the country, thanks to its all-wheel-drive technologies, which make it easy to flat tow comfortably. Its Torx Tool Kit enables owners to strip down its doors, roofs, and more, without wrecking the car. Further, the brand consists of several eye-catching models that are suitable for RV towing.
2016 Buick Enclave
For families looking for a reliable SUV to tow behind your RV, the 2016 Buick Enclave is an ideal choice. This vehicle comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot, making your travel more enjoyable. However, due to its weight, you may end up slowing down, but the availability of three seating rows ensures no one gets left behind.
2016 Ram 1500
In case you anticipate working once you arrive at your destination, or along the way, the 2016 Ram 1500 is the perfect companion. This popular full-size truck has powerful safety features, a comfortable and world-class interior, as well as off-road compatibility features. If it is in your driveway, you might as well tag it along since it is one of the best road-trip runabouts.
2016 Toyota Corolla
For many decades now, the Corolla is still a top choice for consumers who look for and prioritize purchasing vehicles with pull ability. It is comfortably pullable behind an RV, regardless of whether it is a manual transmission or DIY shifting. Furthermore, newer Toyota models include exclusive style changes such as a rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, and rims, Entune Premium Audio inclusive of navigation and a multimedia bundle.
2016 Nissan 370Z
One of the few sports cars that are easily towable is the 2016 Nissan 370Z. If you are going to a racetrack, this car has new features such as the nifty 19-inch RAYS wheels, limited-slip differential, rear spoilers, and an upgraded braking system.
This sport model also consists of Nissan’s SynchroRev Match technology for its 6-speed manual transmission. This innovative feature ensures the engine speed and gear position synchronizes for optimum performance. This remarkable sports model also boasts base audio, for those who prefer a different soundtrack when racing.
Can a Honda HRV be flat towed?
According to the Honda HRV manual, manual transmission HRV's can only be flat towed four wheels down. Auto transmission HRV's cannot be flat towed since their transmission can be damaged. Honda recommends towing your vehicle by engaging the neutral gear as long as you change the gears through a particular routine.
Connect the tow bar, and while the engine is running, shift through the gears and finish it off by going from drive to neutral, then shut off the engine. Ensure the parking brake is fully released and confirm the steering is unlocked.
Can a 2018 Honda pilot be flat towed?
Many Honda models are suitable as ‘dinghy’ vehicles. According to Honda, to tow a Honda vehicle, you must run the engine for at least three minutes before the trip and at least after every eight hours after that. As a result, it helps with the circulation of the transmission fluid. A common question among 2018 Honda pilot owners is whether a 2018 Honda pilot can be flat towed.
How to tow a Honda Accord
When it comes to connecting your Honda accord to your RV or motorhome, it is always crucial to use the proper gear and take the necessary precautions. The Honda Accord has two towing points; under the car at the front and center metal subframe as well as at the back of the car.
The Honda Accord is both a carrier and easily towable vehicle. Its refined engine and sharp drive enable the driver to have superb and precise driving experience. It is best to flat tow this car to prevent any severe damage to its parts.
Can a Honda CRV be towed behind a motorhome?
A Honda CRV has the 4WD system; hence, it is flat towed behind an RV or motorhome at legal highway speeds of up to 65mph to avoid severe damage to the system. By consulting the owner’s manual, you will know the recommended and quality of tow bar and installer for proper installation of the towing gear.
There are various Honda CRV models, with some having manual transmission while others have automatic transmission. You may also opt to tow your front-drive CRV with its front tires only on a dolly. However, 4WD systems are only towable through dinghy towing, also known as four-wheels down towing.
Before towing any vehicle, it is vital to prepare adequately. First, ensure the transmission fluid is at the recommended level. Securely connect the vehicle to the motorhome or RV and step on your brake before starting your dinghy car. Move the shift lever while pressing on the brake, through all the positions and hold it on ‘drive’ for about five seconds.
Finally, shift the lever to the ‘Neutral’ position and leave the engine to run for three more minutes. Switch off the engine and leave the gear at ‘Neutral’ position. Turn the ignition to the accessory position to unlock the steering wheel. It is also crucial to ensure your car accessories, such as radio and cigarette lighter, are off to prevent draining the battery.
Can a 2018 Honda pilot be flat towed?
The 2018 Honda ridgeline is one of the most compact pick-up trucks available in the market. With its stylish unibody frame design and convenient utility, it offers comfort and versatility, giving you a better riding experience and handling. This well-rounded midsize truck has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Is Honda ridgeline towable?
As a redesigned model of the 2017 model, the 2018 Honda ridgeline can easily tow a small boat, haul a heap of mulch and even carry several mountain bikes or kayaks comfortably. Honda ridgeline is available in both front-wheel-drive as well as all-wheel-drive (AWD). The front-wheel-drive option has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds while the AWD option has 5,000 pounds towing capacity. This lifestyle truck may not offer the best in hauling or towing services, but it comes with an independent rear suspension which is not very common in vehicles of this class.
The 2018 Honda ridgeline comes with automatic transmission, making it impossible to flat tow as it may lead to severe damages to the transmission. However, you may opt to use a trailer to tow the truck and ensuring its wheels are not on the ground, until when you want to use it. You can also opt to use a towing company to safely load your vehicle to the back of any truck and transport your vehicle to your destination and back.
If towing is necessary due to severe vehicle damage and all four wheels must be on the ground, release the vehicle’s parking brake, and ignite the engine. Shift the transmission to D for several minutes, enough to warm up the engine, and then change it to N and switch off your engine. Improper towing preparation of your truck damages the transmission, steering system, and your bumpers.
Can you flat tow a Honda Element?
According to Honda, flat-tow your Honda Element behind your RV at 65mph. By using a high quality and reliable tow bar, attach the vehicle to your motorhome. Before starting the trip, fill up the transmission fluid to the recommended point to avoid damage to the system. For your manual Element, release the parking brake, shift the transmission to N, and leave the key in the ignition switch at Accessory (I), to unlock the steering wheel. Make sure that devices connected to the accessory power sockets are turned off to prevent draining your battery.
For your automated Element, start your engine and press on your brake pedal and pull the lever through the positions (P, R, N, D, 2, 1). Shift the transmission to D, then to N for only three minutes, then switch off the engine. Release the brake pedal and leave the key in the ignition switch, turned to Accessory (I). Ascertain the steering wheel is unlocked, and accessories plugged into the accessory sockets are off. For both manual and automatic transmission, it is best to repeat the towing preparation procedure after every 8 hours.
Can you tow a Honda FIT behind an RV?
A Honda FIT is a subcompact vehicle with incomparable fuel economy and an appealing and urban design. Similar to the utility of a small SUV, this versatile machine has excellent fuel economy and continuously variable transmission.
With a total weight of 2,600lbs and about five feet tall, the subcompact FIT is towable all four wheels down on the ground behind an RV. To Properly flat tow your Honda FIT, you will need a base plate kit, safety cables, tow bar, additional braking system, and a lighting solution. Check your owner’s manual for comprehensive information on how to safely tow this specific Honda model.
Conclusion
When considering if your vehicle can be towed behind a motorhome, always read the owner's manual first. It will provide helpful information on towing; thus influencing whether you will use a trailer or dinghy towing.
For example, towing a Honda Pilot behind a motorhome requires the transmission to be in neutral, and the steering wheel unlocked. Other vehicles require the disconnection of the negative battery cable, and removal of fuses, among other things. While you can probably tow any vehicle with the help of additional equipment available in the market, it is best to flat tow those that are manufacturer-certified for the task.
FAQ
How to increase torque for towing?
Towing a small car with your motorhome enables you to use the car for small trips to the grocery store without hauling the motorhome. While power is essential when it comes to towing you also have to consider other essential items like transmission, wheels, axle and drive shaft. Modifications to these will enable you to haul large loads without collapsing your car. In addition, you can add high flow air filters, underdrive pulleys, and a change in the catalytic converter.
Legality of towing a trailer?
When it comes to towing your trailer you need to be aware that you need a license for it. In addition, you will need to ensure that you trailer has proper lights and valid insurance. There is also a towing capacity that you need to be aware of. If you fail to do all these then expect a fine. Each jurisdiction has its own set of rules concerning the legality of towing trailers.
