Honda CR-V: Towing Preparation / Towing Equipment and Accessories

Honda CR-V 2017-2026 Owner's Manual / Driving / Towing a Trailer / Towing Preparation / Towing Equipment and Accessories

Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/ territory, and local regulations.

Consult your trailer maker for proper installation and setup of the equipment.

Improper installation and setup can affect the handling, stability, and braking performance of your vehicle.

Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other items are recommended or required for your towing situation.

The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type and brand. If a connector is required, it should only be installed by a qualified technician.

Trailer packages and products:

Ball mount, hitch plug, hitch pin etc.
Wiring harness kit
Trailer hitch kit

Are available at a dealer.

Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing, and where you are towing.

Hitches

The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.

Safety chains

Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer brakes

Recommended for any trailer with a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more: There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes, be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic system, as it will lower braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard.

Additional towing equipment

Many states and provinces/territories require special outside mirrors when towing a trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.

Trailer light

Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the requirements in the area where you plan to tow.

Honda CR-V. Towing Equipment and Accessories

We recommend that you have a dealer install a Honda wiring harness and converter. They are designed for your vehicle.

The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type and brand. If a connector is required, it should only be installed by a qualified technician.

The trailer lighting connector is located behind the left side panel in the cargo area.

Even if you are planning to use the non-Honda trailer lighting harness and converter, ask a dealer for the correct connector and pins.

Towing Load Limits

Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving...

Driving Safely with a Trailer

Operating speed when towing a trailer is restricted up to 65 mph (100 km/h). Parking In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel chocks at each of the trailer's tires...

Other information:

Honda CR-V 2017-2026 Owner's Manual: Quick Reference Guide

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Honda CR-V 2017-2026 Owner's Manual: If the Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Indicator Comes On

Reasons for the indicator to come on Comes on when there is a problem with the EPS system. If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate...