Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2007 Honda CR-V Behind a Motorhome

Question:

Can you tell me what I will need to tow my 2007 Honda CR-V behind a motorhome?

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

Yes, I will be happy to tell you what you will need to flat tow your 2007 Honda CR-V behind your motorhome.

There are 5 major components needed: base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking.

For base plates I recommend Roadmaster EZ5 base plates # RM-521559-5. These base plates are compatible with all Roadmaster RV mounted tow bars. And when the arms are removed the base plates are basically invisible so they will have a minimal impact on the visual appearance of the vehicle.

For a compatible tow bar look no further than the stellar Nighthawk All-Terrain tow bar # RM-676. It includes many awesome and helpful features such as LED lights for greater visibility, included wiring umbilical to go from the RV to the CR-V, and safety cables so you won't have to get any separately. To keep the tow bar protected from the elements I also recommend cover # RM-055-3. I have linked a video review of this tow bar for you.

There are several lighting options available but by far the easiest to install is going to be Hopkins kit # HM56300. It plugs in line with the vehicle tail light wiring. This means you won't have to splice into the vehicle wiring at all. I have linked a video showing an install for you.

Since this harness has a 4-Way at the front you will need to cut off that 4-Way end and attach the wires to the back of the 6-Way that is included with the Nighthawk tow bar. I have included a wiring diagram to help. You can also add a charge line, # RM-156-25, which will provide a maintenance charge to the CR-V battery.

You will need to pull fuses to flat tow your CR-V (consult owner's manual to confirm). To make this process as easy as flipping a switch I recommend adding the fuse bypass # RM76511. It isn't required but it will make the process a whole lot easier. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

The # RM-88400 relay is required to prevent the towed vehicle's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn. (The RM-88400 relay is not required when using magnetic tow lights.)

Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.