Looking to tow 2012 CRV with 2016 Vegas 24.1

[Doreen]

I've driven my Vegas around the Country over 23,000 miles since I bought it new in May of 2016. I have experienced no difficulties handling it even though I am an "older" lady traveling solo. Now I want to start towing so that I can get around easier when I reach my destinations. I have a 2012 Honda CRV which I understand can be towed flat. I'm looking for advice and recommendations of what to buy. I hear that Blue Ox is good and I looked at the BX2258 base plate online. I know I will also need a tow bar (what model?) and I don't know what else I need and approximately how much I will have to spend for parts and installation. I would appreciate any and all advice. Thanks!

[16ACE27]

ETrailer.com is your friend and great resource.

https://www.etrailer.com/towbar-2012_Honda_CR-V.htm

[gmc]

Many threads out here on towing...
Most common brands are Blue Ox and Roadmaster. Both are good products. Expect to spend around $3,000 to fully set up to tow - including base plates, tow bar, lighting, supplemental brakes, and accessories (safety chains, wiring)

Tow bar - some are simpler to handle than others - allowing connecting/disconnecting when vehicles are not perfectly aligned.

Brakes - portable or permanent install is main choice... Permanent can cost a little more for initial installation - but then is 'plug and play'... Portable you need to place in vehicle each time and store when not in use.

Ask any questions you have...

Currently towing a 2010 Jeep Wrangler behind my 2014 Hurricane with Roadmaster base plates, Roadmaster Falcon All-Terrain towbar, Roadmaster Invisibrake, and Mopar wiring harness.

[Mr Sunshine]

Welcome to the forum!

Personally, I prefer Blue Ox, but they didn't make a plate for my current towed car, so it has a Roadmaster plate with an adapter. Both are quality companies. I have Bl Ox Aventa tow bars, which are rated for more weight than my toad.

Agree that etrailer.com is a good source. You need to be shopping around for an installer, other than the company with initials CW. (My personal opinion based on forum comments.) Some installers will want to supply the parts, and they might get a discount that helps them while giving you the same retail price. Call around and get some quotes before you decide.

I have the Unified tow brake system from US Gear. Have used in on two coaches and now on two towed cars. Wasn't cheap to buy and install, but sooo easy to connect and disconnect. It doesn't require storage space when not in use, a big plus with our Vegas and our small 2 seater car.

I can recommend a good and reasonably priced RV tech in central FL, but you might want to ask the forum for suggestions for someone closer to your area.

[Wonderdog]

I've been towing my 2004 CR-V with the Roadmaster Falcon II since 2013 with no problems. It's the only one in my experience so cannot speak to pluses or minuses but it has been easy to connect/disconnect and have had no problems.

[Doreen]

Thanks to you all for your advice and input. I think it makes sense to find a reliable and reasonable installer who knows what parts are needed rather than to shop the parts on my own. Any recommendations for an installer? I am in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area. Thanks for your help!

[tmshih]

We towed a 2011 CRV with AWD across the country last year in our 2015 Vegas 24.1. We have a Blue Ox tow bar with an Invisibrake system installed in our CRV. Take care to follow the Honda manual instructions for lubricating the transmission prior to towing. For our car we ran it in idle for 30 secs in 3rd, 2nd, and Drive then 3 minutes in Neutral before turning the key to ACC1 and towing. I have noticed increased buffeting from wind and the bow shock from trucks when towing to make sure your alignment is done. On our rig I added sway bars and a Safe T Bar for added stability. We only feel swaying when wind gust are higher than 40 mph.

[Doreen]

Thank you!