Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2008 Honda CR-V

Question:

Im thinking of buying a 2008 Honda CRV with the intention of flat towing it. What would be all the parts needed as well as a brake controller? Can you provide a side by side comparison of all the manufacturers like Blue Ox, Roadmaster and Demco? Thank You,

asked by: Roy S

Helpful Expert Reply:

In my experience both as an Expert and Installer Roadmaster is the top when it comes to most of the components needed to flat tow with Demco being closely behind since their braking systems are some of the best. Blue Ox isn't really my favorite but they tend to pick up a lot of the weird fits that Roadmaster and Demco don't carry and are very popular choice for tow bars. My recommendations vary vehicle to vehicle by I typically use a mix of all three as well as some of our etrailer branded components so that our neighbors can get the best quality for their money spent. All that being said here are my recommendations for a 2008 Honda CR-V:

Baseplate: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521559-5. Direct-connect arms super easy to connect/disconnect and can be removed and stored for a cleaner look when you're not towing.

Tow Bar: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates # e74ZR. This tow bar comes with safety cables bracketed to the arms so you won't have to purchase them separately or worry about them dragging on the ground. The head and shank offer a bit of adjustability to help keep the tow bar level while towing so that you can possibly save some money by not having to also purchase a high/low adapter like you might with other tow bars.

Tow Bar Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This wiring kit will splice into the factory wiring of your CR-V to display your motorhome's signals through the tail lights.

Since the ACC RADIO 34 fuse needs to be pulled I recommend also picking up the Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass # RM76511 so that you can easily activate/deactivate the fuse with the push of a button.

Braking System: If your motorhome has air brakes then the Demco Air Force One Supplemental Braking System for Motor Homes with Air Brakes # SM99243 is the way to go for great, responsive braking power. If you have hydraulic brakes and do not have an engine brake (usually included on Diesel pushers) that activates the tail lights when in use then the Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251 is what you'll want.

If you're looking for a portable system instead of a fixed one like the Demco systems listed above then I recommend the Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System # HM39524. This system comes with a remote to monitor when the brakes are being activated in the CR-V and will allow you to also change the brake settings from the cab of your motorhome. It also includes a charge line kit for your CR-V to keep the battery charged as you tow.