Flat Towing Package for 2012-2014 Honda CR-V

The 2012-2014 Honda CR-V is a great SUV to tow behind your Class A or Class C motorohome due to its compact size. To complete your flat towing setup, you'll just need a few components, including base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, towbar wiring, and a supplemental braking system. We've assembled our favorite flat towing packages below, so you can easily choose the best products for your vehicle and get back to planning your next adventure.

Flat Towing Components

Base Plates
Tow Bar
Safety Cables
Tow Bar Wiring
Supplemental Braking system
Additional Components

How to Flat-Tow a 2012 - 2014 Honda CR-V with All Four Wheels Down

In order to flat-tow a 2012 - 2014 Honda CR-V with all four wheels on the ground behind a motorhome you are going to need a tow bar, base plate kit, safety cables, tail light wiring harness, supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. There may also be a few other smaller components that are needed depending on the options the vehicle is equipped with.

For a tow bar, I recommend the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain Tow Bar part # RM-676. The Nighthawk is one of the best tow bars we offer. It has a non-binding and self-aligning design which makes for an extremely easy hookup. It also comes with safety cables and a wiring extension...

-Connor L

2012-2014 Honda CR-V Flat Tow Installation & Restriction Notes

Vehicle Restrictions: The owner's manual states that speeds of 65 mph should not be exceeded while towing the vehicle.

Installation: The Honda CR-V requires fuses to be pulled for flat towing (check your owner's manual for more information). A fuse bypass provides a simple alternative to removing a fuse every time you tow. When you are ready to tow your vehicle, simply flip the switch (located inside your vehicle for easy access) to the "tow" position. When you wish to drive your vehicle as usual, just flip the switch to "drive" and hit the road. The fuse bypass is permanently installed on your vehicle, so once it's installed, you won't have to remove or replace your fuse again.

If your owner's manual says to only pull the #19 ACC radio fuse, use part #RM76511; if it states to pull the #19 ACC radio fuse and the #20 ACC key lock fuse, use part #RM76512.

Owner's manuals for 2014 Honda CRVs may incorrectly identify the fuse in the schematic. See TSIB 151 at Roadmaster's website for more information.

Flat Towing Products

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Base Plates for 2012-2014 Honda CR-V

Base plates are the custom-fit attachment points that install on the frame of your Honda CR-V and will allow you to connect a tow bar to your vehicle. This is the part of a flat towing setup that is truly vehicle specific and custom fit for a particular vehicle and style. These base plates are designed to fit 2012-2014 Honda CR-V models.

#RM-521567-4

Easily removable arms
Compatible with Quick Disconnects and all RM tow bars
Made in USA

Installation: Trimming of spoiler, air dam, grille or plastic fascia may be required on some models. Product does not fit models with brush guard.

#RM5215675

Easily removable arms
Streamlined design
No crossbar required
Compatible with Roadmaster motorhome-mounted tow bars
No welding required
Made in USA

Installation: Trimming of spoiler, air dam, grille or plastic fascia may be required. To use with Sterling tow bar, Sterling cable anchors must be attached to vehicle frame or welded to receiver portion of bracket. Bracket will not accommodate the Guardian rock shield, Tow Defender # RM-4700, Stowaway or the StowMaster and StowMaster All Terrain tow bars. Product does not fit models with brush guard. Product does not fit models with extra bumper trim package.

#DM9519328

Easily removable arms
Clean, tabless design
Compatible with Demco tow bars
Made in USA

#BX2258

Easily removable arms
Hidden reinforcement for clean design
Compatible with Blue Ox tow bars
Made in USA

Installation: Bumper fascia must be removed and replaced during installation. Requires some trimming of bumper (fascia, plastic, and/or grille). One-piece standard design. The BX88152 adapter cannot be used with this baseplate.

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Tow Bars for 2012-2014 Honda CR-V

Another necessary component of a flat towing setup is the tow bar. While tow bars are not a custom-fit component, it is important to make sure that the tow bar and base plates you choose for your Honda CR-V are compatible with each other. A good rule of thumb is to use a tow bar from the same manufacturer as your base plate kit. If you have base plates or a tow bar of one brand and wish to use a counterpart from a different manufacturer, you will likely need an adapter. Check out our base plate adapter table for help on choosing the correct product.

Tow bars come in two styles: those that mount on the motorhome (hitch mount style) and those that mount on the vehicle (coupler style). For frequent RVers, motorhome-mounted tow bars are generally preferable. They provide a more stable connection, are easy to adjust, and do not require a separate coupler. On the other hand, those who RV less frequently may consider a vehicle-mounted tow bar for a more economical option.

#RM-676

8,000-lb. capacity
Stores on RV
Non-binding
LED lighted arms
Safety cables and wiring included
Made of lightweight aluminum
Compatible with Roadmaster Direct-Connect base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

#RM-576

8,000-lb. capacity
Stores on RV
Non-binding
Safety cables and wiring included
Made of lightweight aluminum
Compatible with Roadmaster base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

#DM9511008

7,500-lb. capacity
Stores on RV
Non-binding
Safety cables included
Made of lightweight aluminum & durable steel
Compatible with Roadmaster Direct-Connect base plates
Limited lifetime warranty

#RM522

6,000-lb. capacity
Stores on RV
Non-binding
Made of durable steel
Compatible with all Roadmaster base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

#RM-520

6,000-lb. capacity
Stores on RV
Made of durable steel
Compatible with all Roadmaster base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

#DM9511009

10,500-lb. capacity
Stores on RV
Non-binding
Safety cables included
Made of durable steel
Limited lifetime warranty

#RM501

6,000-lb. capacity
Stores on vehicle
Made of durable steel
Compatible with Roadmaster crossbar-style base plates
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

#DM9511011

5,000-lb. capacity
Safety cables included
Made of durable steel
Limited lifetime warranty

#RM020

5,000-lb. capacity
Made of durable steel
Compatible with Roadmaster crossbar-style base plates
Made in USA

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Safety Cables for 2012-2014 Honda CR-V

Safety cables are a necessary component of a flat towing setup. Keep the weight of your Honda CR-V in mind when choosing safety cables, as safety cables come in a variety of capacities. Blue Ox and Demco typically include safety cables with their tow bars, making it easy to complete your flat towing setup. Both manufacturers also offer replacement safety cables. Some premium Roadmaster tow bars include safety cables, but most do not. Roadmaster offers a number of capacities and both coiled and straight cables for your flat towing setup. The coiled design helps keep the safety cables from dragging the ground, while straight cables work best with tow bars that have channels, or cable guides, for the safety cables to feed through.

Tow Bar Cable Channel Guide

-For use with tow bars with cable guides

-Prevents cables from dragging on ground

-For use with tow bars without cable guides

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Tow Bar Wiring for 2012-2014 Honda CR-V

It is important for your Honda CR-V to be wired for flat towing. Tow bar wiring allows your vehicle to have functioning stop, turn, and tail lights while being towed. To make sure your vehicle has functioning tail lights when towed, you have a few options. You can use the existing tail lights by installing a kit that plugs or splices into your current wiring. You can also bypass your factory wiring by installing a bulb and socket wiring kit that uses the vehicle's tail light housings. Finally, you can install a universal magnetic or trunk-mounted lighting kit to add additional lights to your vehicle specifically for towing.

#RM-15267

6-way plug on vehicle
Hardwire installation
Won't interfere with vehicle's factory wiring
6-way to 7-way wiring extensions included

Note: Fuse bypass required

#HM56304

Custom plug-in kit
Plugs into vehicle wiring
Provides 4-way flat plug
No splicing required

Note: Fuse bypass required

#DM9523057

Diode wiring kit
6-way coiled lighting cable
7-way to 6-way adapter
Vinyl storage cover included

#RM-152

4-wire harness
Ideal if wiring included with tow bar
Hardwire installation

Note: Fuse bypass required

#RM-155

Bulb and socket kit
Bypasses vehicle wiring
Independent plugs and sockets mount inside tail lights

Note: Fuse bypass required

#EZT20B

Universal, removable trunk mount
Hinged flaps easily secure on vehicle
Bypasses vehicle wiring
20-ft cord included

Note: Fuse bypass required

#MT70097

Economical option
Bypasses vehicle wiring
Magnetic light bases hold firmly to any metal surface
Long-lasting LEDs provide superior operation
Brake-lite relay not required

Note: Fuse bypass required

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Supplemental Braking System for 2012-2014 Honda CR-V

Using a supplemental braking system, also called a tow bar braking system, helps make sure your towed vehicle slows down as your motorhome slows down. This helps reduce wear and tear on both your vehicle and your motorhome, as well as helps shorten the braking distance of your towing setup. It is also important to keep in mind that supplemental braking systems are required by law in many states. It is important to check the requirements for areas you will be traveling through.

#RM-8700

Pre-set braking
One-time setup
For RVs with hydraulic brakes
Integrated battery protection
Made in USA
1-year warranty

Installation: Operating unit mounts out of sight, commonly under driver's seat

Note: Brake-lite relay #RM-88400 required

#SM99251

Proportional Braking
One-time setup
For RVs with hydraulic brakes
Made in USA
5-year warranty

Installation: Operating unit mounts out of sight, commonly under hood

Note: Brake-lite relay #RM-88400 required

Hydraulic: #RM-9060

Air: #RM-9160

Proportional braking
Recurring setup
Options for hydraulic and air RV brakes
Made in USA

Installation: Anchors to required seat adapter #RM-88196 at floorboard and clamps around brake pedal

Note: Brake-lite relay #RM-88400 required

#SM99243

Proportional Braking
One-time setup
For RVs with air brakes
Made in USA
5-year warranty

Installation: Operating unit mounts out of sight, commonly under hood

Note: Brake-lite relay #RM-88400 required

#SM99242

Proportional Braking
Recurring set-up
For RVs with hydraulic, air, or air over hydraulic brakes
Made in USA
5-year warranty

Installation: If vehicle is equipped with active power assist braking system, this product can be used. Check owner's manual.

Note: 12-Volt outlet kit #RM-9332 required

#RM-9400

Proportional Braking
Recurring set-up
For RVs with hydraulic, air, or air over hydraulic brakes
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

Installation: If vehicle is equipped with active power assist braking system, this product cannot be used. Check owner's manual.

Note: 12-Volt outlet kit #RM-9332 required

#RM-9700

Pre-set braking
Recurring set-up
For RVs with hydraulic, air, or air over hydraulic brakes
Made in USA
1-year limited warranty

Installation: If vehicle is equipped with active power assist braking system, this product cannot be used. Check owner's manual.

Note: Brake-lite relay #RM-88400 required

Note: 12-Volt outlet kit #RM-9332 required

#BRK2016

Proportional Braking
Recurring set-up
For RVs with hydraulic brakes
Made in USA
2-year warranty

Note: If your vehicle is equipped with an active power assist braking system, this product can be used. Please check owner's manual.

Note: 12-Volt outlet kit #RM-9332 required

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Additional Flat Towing components

To complete your Honda CR-V's flat towing setup, a few additional parts may be required or recommended. Some of these components, such as fuse bypassses, 12-volt accessory outlets, and high-low adapters, ensure that your flat tow setup functions properly. Other accessories work to protect your vehicle from rocks and other road debris while your vehicle is being towed.

Because the Honda CR-V's battery will drain while being flat towed, a fuse bypass is required to pull the fuses that cause the drain.

#RM76511

Bypasses towed vehicle's mini-fuse so you can tow your vehicle without draining its battery
Provides simple alternative to removing a fuse every time you tow
Installs quickly, easily and permanently

#RM76512

Bypasses towed vehicle's mini-fuse so you can tow your vehicle without draining its battery
Provides simple alternative to removing a fuse every time you tow
Installs quickly, easily and permanently

*Fuse(s) must be pulled during towing. Please check owner's manual. If your owner's manual says to only pull the #19 ACC radio fuse, use part # RM76511;
if it states to pull the #19 ACC radio fuse and the #20 ACC key lock fuse, use part # RM76512.

A charge line kit maintains the battery charge in your towed vehicle (though it is not required when using the Roadmaster Invisibrake, which provides its own charge). A 12-volt outlet kit provides power to portable braking systems but is not required for fixed systems.

#RM-156-25

Maintains battery charge in towed vehicle
Provides 15 amps to avoid overcharging
Requires #RM-156-75 if no charge line present in RV
Made in USA

#RM-9332

Provides power for portable braking systems
Creates 12-volt power outlet with 20 amps power
5-ft. wire included

If your tow bar is level when you attach it to your vehicle and RV, then great! You don't need a high-low adapter. However, if your tow bar is not level, you will need a high-low adapter. Your tow bar should always be within 3 inches of level. A tow bar cover is also recommended to protect your tow bar when not in use.

#Various Rise/Drops

Allows tow bar to remain level
Tow bar should be within 3 inches of level

#RM-9243-1

Kit includes wiring, safety cables, tow bar cover, and storage bag
Wiring provides 4-pole and 7-way connectors
Straight safety cables offer 8,000-lb. capacity
Tow bar cover protects stowed tow bar from elements
Storage bag lets you keep components organized for easy access

#Various Options

Keeps dirt and road grime off tow bar when not in use
Various sizes available

Protective guards such as the Roadmaster Guardian Rock Guard and Demco's Sentry Deflector attach to your tow bar and protect the front of your vehicle from road debris.

#DM9523135

Protects vehicle's finish and resale value
Attaches to connecting ears (20-30 in.) of Demco tow bars
Adapter kit required with Roadmaster and Blue Ox tow bars
Easy installation - no tools required
Made in USA
1-year warranty

#RM-4000

Shields vehicle from rocks and road debris
Easily removable
Attaches to tow bar mounting bracket and side panels
Fits all Roadmaster tow bars with Quick Disconnects

The Roadmaster Tow Defender provides a heavy-duty nylon screen to deflect rocks, gravel, and road debris down and away from your vehicle. The Tow Defender may also be used in conjunction with the Roadmaster Guardian Rock Guard for ultimate protection.

#RM-4700

Deflects rocks, gravel, and road debris
Lightweight - 15 lbs.
Fits most Roadmaster tow bars with Quick Disconnect systems

#RM-4750

Deflects rocks, gravel, and road debris
Lightweight - 15 lbs.
Rolls up to 4-in. diameter for storage
Fits Demco tow bars, Roadmaster motorhome-mounted tow bars, and Blue Ox tow bars

Related Products:

Shop RV Hitches

Shop Wiring Extensions

Shop Quick Disconnects

Written By: Amber S

Updated by: Jacob J

Updated on: 2/12/24

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