What is Necessary to tow a Motorcycle and Trailer Behind a 2006 Honda CR-V?

Question:

Hi eTrailer, I am in need of a trailer hitch for my FWD 2006 Honda CR-V. I only intend on hauling a motorcycle that is strapped to a trailer in the back. The motorcycle would be at most 400 pounds, while the trailer should be around the same. My max tow is 1,500 lbs. However, I do not know anything about towing before. I think I want a class 3 hitch, but can you help direct me on all that is necessary to buy? Also, how hard is installation? Do I need to drill into the frame for the Curt trailer hitches? Do most people take it to a shop to install? Thanks in advance

asked by: Kien

Helpful Expert Reply:

We can help set you up to tow your motorcycle on a trailer with a 2006 Honda CR-V. If your max towing weight is 1,500 lbs, and you estimate your motorcycle and trailer to have a combined weight in the neighborhood of 800 lbs, you are not going to need a Class III hitch. Your best bet would be to go with the Class I Draw-Tite, # 24792, which is a bolt-on installation and will not require you to drill.

This hitch has a receiver opening of 1-1/4 inches and has a maximum gross trailer weight of 2,000 lbs and a maximum tongue weight of 200 lbs. As for the install, it is not something you'll need to take it to a shop for; no special tools are going to be necessary, and if you watch the video I linked of an install on a 2006 Honda CR-V, it should tell you all you need to know to determine whether or not this is something you can do yourself.

Tongue weight is going to be the downward force placed on the hitch ball, and it should be 10-15 percent of the overall trailer weight for best - and safest - ride quality. I have attached a link to a help article on tongue weight for you to look at which will tell you how to measure it. With a load as relatively light as yours, you have a number of ways you can go about it.

You will also need the Draw-Tite drawbar, # 3593, which you'll insert into the hitch receiver. That drawbar is going to be how you mount the hitch ball, # 19256 for a 1-7/8 inch ball and # 19258 for a 2-inch ball which will be the connection point for your trailer's coupler. The final part piece of the puzzle is going to be the wiring so your trailer's lights work. The confirmed fit for your 2006 CR-V is the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector, # 118336. I've attached a link to an install video of this harness for you to review. I've also included links to a couple of help articles on trailer towing for you to take a look at.