Honda CR-V Towbars

Honda CR-V Towing Specifics

The Honda CR-V was launched back in 1995 by the Japanese manufacturer as a compact crossover SUV, well equipped with strong towing capabilities. Currently, there are four generations of the Honda CR-V, these are; 1997-2002, 2002-2007, 2007-2012, and 2012 onwards respectively. We will cover the towing specifics of all generations below.

Honda CR-V Towbar Electrics Kits

It is recommended that all Honda CR-V vehicles from 2002 onwards have their tow bars fitted with a dedicated electrics kit, rather than a universal electrics kit. A dedicated electrics kit not only ensures all modern features such as; trailer stability and parking sensors are functional but also helps to keep your vehicle's warranty unaffected.

We offer both universal and dedicated electrics kits for the Honda CR-V towbars, but be aware that universal electrics kits can invalidate any manufacturer warranty your vehicle has and may also require a bypass relay.

Check your Honda warranty for more information.

Bypass Relays

All Honda CR-V 2012 onwards vehicle models will require a bypass relay if universal electrics are fitted. Models between 1997-2012 will not require a bypass relay.

A bypass relay works by powering what it is you are towing through transferring power straight from the battery instead of taking too much current away from your vehicle.

Whereas a dedicated system works in harmony with your vehicle's ECU and all of its functions.

Coding

This is the coding of the ECU to accept the dedicated system, this updates your vehicles software to run smoothly with the new towbar. All Honda CR-V vehicles will not require coding.

Coding is used to update your vehicles software in order for it to run coherently with the new tow bar through the dedicated electrics.

Bumper Cuts

Depending on the towbar, Honda CR-V vehicles may require a bumper cut. A bumper cut is when a fraction of the vehicle's rear bumper is cut in order to fit the tow bar.

1997-2002 vehicles have a choice of non-visible and no bumper cuts.

2002-2007 vehicles have no bumper cuts.

2007-2012 vehicles have no bumper cuts.

2012 onwards vehicles have a choice of non-visible bumper cuts.

Nose Weight

Nose weight is the amount of weight pushing down on the tow ball, it is important not to exceed the nose weight set on the tow bar, failure to do so could damage the car chassis and/or tow bar mounting points.

1997-2002 vehicles have a nose weight of 75 kg.

2002-2007, 2007-2012 and 2012 onwards vehicles have a nose weight of 100 kg.

Nose weight varies depending on the towbar you choose and are displayed under each towbar below.

Towing Weight

Towing weight is the weight that the Honda CR-V towbars can tow safely, without any risk of damaging the vehicle. Towing weights are bar specific and displayed below each towbar.

1997-2002 towbars have a low towing weight capacity of 1200kg and a high towing weight capacity of 1500kg.

2002-2007 towbars have a low towing weight capacity of 1500kg and a high towing weight capacity of 1800kg.

2007-2012 and 2012 onwards towbars have a towing weight capacity of 2000kg.

You will need to check the towing limit for your CR-V vehicle model as it may not be able to tow up to the weight limit that the tow bar can tow.