Looking ahead - Mazda CX5 or Honda CRV

[larry2c]

As of now we have a travel trailer but we may upgrade to a Class C motorhome in another year or so. With that in mind, we are looking to replace our current Honda CRV this summer. We are looking at another CRV or possibly a Mazda CX5. I've been Googling and so far, neither of these vehicles comes up as flat towable. I know I've seen some being toad that way but just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Anyone have a definitive answer for these two vehicles? BTW, we'd buy used so probably a '19 or '20 model.

[BehindBars]

Past Honda CR-V models were flat towable, up though model year 2014. After that not flat towable. If you have a 2014 or earlier CR-V, you might want to hang on to it.

The Guide to Dinghy Towing is a good resource for finding flat towable vehicles.
https://www.motorhome.com/download-dinghy-guides/

[larry2c]

Thanks for that info! Our current CRV is a 2011 - but it's getting pretty tired. Just one more thing to think about!

[kenandterry]

Yup.....like the man said just up there, you’re good with another CRV up to and including 2014. After that, HONDA switched over to CVT transmission designs, and cannot be flat towed. If you basically like your CRV to date, you could look for another used one in nice shape. They’re very popular as toad vehicles.

If you insist on a new toad vehicle for flat towing (the preferred method amongst those who do), your choices become smaller each year as they become more sophisticated and complex.

[llr]

our 2015 CX5 AWD is not flat towable, no idea on other years or configurations.

It at least used to be most and maybe all FWD manual transmission cars where towable 4 down. I have no idea how many even offer this configuration anymore or if you would consider a manual.

Many true 4WDs have a neutral on the transfer case and can be towed 4 down.

Edit: Also your F150 is probably towable 4 down as long as it is 4WD. That would be my toad if I got a class C. Already have it and can bring things like dirt bikes and kayaks.

[Jim-LP240FS]

Like BehindBars said, hang on to your tired 2011 CRV. My toad is a 1990 Suzuki Sidekick with 270,000 miles on the clock and I plan on keeping it running another 270K.

[larry2c]

Originally Posted by llr

Edit: Also your F150 is probably towable 4 down as long as it is 4WD. That would be my toad if I got a class C. Already have it and can bring things like dirt bikes and kayaks.

Thanks for the info on the CX5!

Regarding towing your F150 with your motorhome - that seems like a big load to tow (ours is close to 6000#). How does your MH do when climbing hills/mountains with the F150 in tow?

[oldsmasma]

Although we love our 2016 CX-5 it is not flat towable. A dolly would be an option for a front wheel drive model

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by larry2c

Thanks for the info on the CX5!

Regarding towing your F150 with your motorhome - that seems like a big load to tow (ours is close to 6000#). How does your MH do when climbing hills/mountains with the F150 in tow?

Larry2c......


Ilr doesn’t tow his F150 with a motorhome. He tows his trailer WITH his F150.
Be careful when reading input from subscribers.

In your case, not having the actual motorhome yet, we can’t comment on your maximum tow capacity because they vary between units. Just remember, sometimes you have to compromise on what you can and can’t take with you.

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by oldsmasma

Although we love our 2016 CX-5 it is not flat towable. A dolly would be an option for a front wheel drive model

Just asking, with respect to your CX-5. Do you dolly tow your CX-5?

[Len01]

Look at the new bronco

[jc2394]

We tow a 2020 Ford Escape hybrid, easy to tow and quick to setup. Just hold in a button and release the brake and put in neutral

[llr]

Originally Posted by larry2c

Thanks for the info on the CX5!

Regarding towing your F150 with your motorhome - that seems like a big load to tow (ours is close to 6000#). How does your MH do when climbing hills/mountains with the F150 in tow?

I have not towed the F150 with a MH, I currently have a TT and thinking about a class C. Based on past experience with and older, 1994 class A towing a jeep wrangler and a Saturn view I would not be too concerned with the F150.

I did not notice any performance or MPG changes with and without the toads. This tells me the rolling load is fairly low. You absolutely need toad braking for any toad and the heavier the more important.

[Bob2019]

A GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox (cross overs) are flat towable - but you would have to verify with the latest models to confirm.

[HerveVR]

Whatever vehicule you are looking at as a flat towable..

The real answer is in the Owner's Manual that you can look at on the web.

If a salesperson tells you that a vehicle is towable and is not specified in the Manual, have him/her put it in writing.

[larry2c]

Originally Posted by kenandterry

Larry2c......


Ilr doesn’t tow his F150 with a motorhome.

Got it - missed the IF Always an important word....