Honda CRV as tow car

[DavidandValerie]

Ladies and Gentlemen, we're thinking of changing our tow car and have been looking at the Honda CRV, with a deisel engine. However, Honda list a ridiculously low max tow limit (1500kg). Can anyone give some insight as to why this should be, given the apparent capabilities of the vehicle? Also, do any members have experience of towing with this vehicle? We'd be very grateful for any help, advice or insight.
David & Valerie Thickett

[AlanandMel]

We had the same thought and came to the conclusion that it has to be a combination of low kerbweight, soft rear suspension and less than adequate torque.

[DavidandValerie]

I wondered, but the spec doesn't bear that out completely .... 145 BHP / 245 ft/ibs torque and the kerbweight is over 2 tonnes (80% rule gives about 1650KG). So my assumption was the same as yours ... it must be a weak chassis.
However, has anyone actually used one and can share their experiences?

David

[AlanandMel]

According to Cudddles the kerbweight is 1578 KG giving 1341 KG for 85%.



Good car but a bit on the light side.

[flipper]

Hi David and Valerie

We own a 2008 single axle Fleetwood Meridien 560-I , and our original towcar was a 2008 Honda CR-V 2.2 EX.
It was the first Caravan we ever towed and I must say the Honda performed very well towing it.
The CR-V is a nice looking towcar , inside it has many nice " extras " and gives a very comfortable smooth ride.
We have since changed to a 2011 CR-V EX and again have towed fully laden without problem.
The only downside is that its looks are deceptive and I think a 24ft single axle is about its limit, which is a shame as we were looking at going a little bigger to a twin axle but have now decided to keep our pairing for a while longer.
Mechanically the CR-V has been very reliable.
Tim ( flipper )

[DavidandValerie]

Tim,

Many thanks. That's great information.
Should enable us to make a balanced decision - always useful!

Regards

David & Valerie.