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Tow Package Question
I have a 2011 Honda CRV which can be towed.  I have never towed before and am thinking about starting.  If I were to buy a tow-package for this particular car, would I be able to easily use it for a different car?  I don’t know how long this Honda will last and I might want to get a newer car at some point.  I know I would need to get a car that one can tow.  Just don’t know if the tow-packages are interchangeable for different cars.  Thank you in advance for your responses. 
Monica
2017 Mid-Bath 
Monica
2017 MB

Re: Tow Package Question
Reply #1
Hello Monica.   The actual tow equipment Is rated for the towed vehicle’s weight.  As long as the subsequent vehicle is rated for that tow equipment then they’re interchangeable.  

On the other hand, each vehicle has a specific tow attachment designed to fit the vehicle.  It’s possible that the attachment might fit a subsequent vehicle if it’s the same model.  The tow equipment manufacturer would be able to advise you on that.

So the actual towing equipment should be interchangeable and the vehicle’s towing attachment is a “depends.”

Re: Tow Package Question
Reply #2
The vehicle baseplate will vary by vehicle model and often by year as well. Easiest to just have a new one installed on the new vehicle. Integrated braking, such as the Stay-in-Play, will be a lot of work to swap over, and may need a few replacement parts, but is do-able. The electrical wiring to interface to the towing umbilical will need to be new and vehicle specific.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: Tow Package Question
Reply #3
Hello Monica.   The actual tow equipment Is rated for the towed vehicle’s weight.  As long as the subsequent vehicle is rated for that tow equipment then they’re interchangeable.  
On the other hand, each vehicle has a specific tow attachment designed to fit the vehicle.  It’s possible that the attachment might fit a subsequent vehicle if it’s the same model.  The tow equipment manufacturer would be able to advise you on that.
So the actual towing equipment should be interchangeable and the vehicle’s towing attachment is a “depends.”

While the towbar and the toad brake can be transferred, the base plate is vehicle specific and tailight wiring cannot be transferred. The average towing package is $3000+, if installed by a shop.
CRVs have very small starting batteries, installing a device to use power from the LD to charge the toad battery while traveling is highly suggested.
RVi Towed Battery Charger Plus, charge line replacement for flat towing

When switching to another vehicle, you will need to have to buy a new baseplate, installing it along with the old toad brake unit The toad battery charger and new taillight wiring will also need to be wired.

If you are unsure of the life left in the CRV, it might be best ot find another one, with lower mileage or in better shape.
Used, set-up toads show up here occasionally, it can be cheaper to go that way.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Tow Package Question
Reply #4
Monica

I had a 2006 Honda CRV-All Wheel Drive. Purchased new.

Towed it for 10's of thousands of miles.  Current mileage is just under 300,000 and it is still going strong.

Just gave it my son who plans to drive it for another 100K + miles.  I did leave the installed tow package on the Honda when I gave it to him, as it can always be used as a Toad again!

We have since moved on and we now tow a 1996 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4.

That said - I didn't want to tow a newer vehicle as towing does take its toll in appearance and wear and tear.  So we started with the CRV and it never missed a beat.

Ultimately it is your decision which vehicle you choose, the cost, etc. 

There are untold number of members on this Forum that do in fact currently tow Honda CRV's.  Its been a rousing success as a tow vehicle (especially the all-wheel-drive) and darn near bullet proof.

Good luck with whatever vehicle you choose, and consider the sage advise from experienced tow vehicle folks.

Cheers!

Tony R. (aka codefour)
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family

Re: Tow Package Question
Reply #5
We tow a 2014 Honda CRV the last year the CRV was towable 4-wheels down. Honda changed the transmission in 2015 making them non-towable. We had a Blue Ox baseplate and tow-bar installed along with the wiring kit and a SMI Stay-n-Play braking system. Works great!

Ron
Ron