Great content Duane. We've been towing our H-D motorcycle using a trailer we already owned, but are finding this has it's limits, mainly weather. After looking at the various options I'm going to flat tow using a NSA towbar with integrated braking. Fortunately we own a 4WD truck that can be flat towed and is within the combined weight limit of our Class A and I have the skills and tools to install it myself... even then the cost will be $3,000 for the necessary hardware. BTW, the first time I heard about the NSA towbars was on one of your other videos, and I thank you for that.
Worried about battery drain by leaving the key switch on to unlock the steering wheel, just have the steering lock removed. But a lot of cars don't have steering wheel lock. Also purchase a 4 tire pressure sensor system. 4 on the car if flat towing, or 2 on the dolly and 2 on the rear of the car. Great advice and videos Duane!
You make great videos. We don’t own an RV yet, but we are seriously considering going to full time RV living and I have learned a lot watching your channel. Thanks a million.
That's awesome Ronald. I'm so glad that my video channel has been helpful for you. When you get your RV I hope you make lots of great memories, and have safe and happy travels with it!
You didn't mention the braking issue with a tow dolly. had to google it , but there must be trailer brakes on the tow dolly . My first thought was an enclosed trailer but one more thing to deal with at a campground I guess love your content
That's a good point and an oversight on my part not to include it in the video. There are lots of tow dollies that have either surge brakes or wired brakes that connect to your tow vehicle. You just want to avoid the really cheap dollies that have no brakes at all. Thanks for mentioning that here!
Yes, I chose flat towing to avoid a lot of the physical work that comes with tow dollies myself Don. But I have seen several tow dolly towers who can wing their dolly around pretty easily on a campsite. Mostly younger folks ... :-)
On "Wrenchin with Kenny" he mentioned getting a car in, that the customer left in first gear. It made it to 45 before the engine exploded. That would be another con for flat towing.
Interesting video. A couple of follow up videos for each one showing how to do both set ups would be interesting to watch as well. I always enjoy watching.
We have a 2011 CRV and it tows like a dream. I wish Honda would make the new CRV's flat towable, but I kind of get the feeling that it's not high on their priority list anymore. Thanks for watching!
On both setups you can’t reverse right? Also you are limited to front wheel drive cars on a tow dolly. Most tow dolly companies don’t recommend towing car backed on.
It's really not advisable to back up with either of these towing setups, although I have seen some people try it. I pretty much just figure that I don't have a reverse gear while the car is hooked up. I plan on only moving forward until it's disconnected.
I commend you for a posting a video about this very important topic. But, I noticed that you didn't talk about backing up with either a flat tow or tow dolly setup. I suggest you add additional information to discuss going in reverse with either of these methods of towing.
Hi Robbie. I don't mention backing up while towing a vehicle because I don't recommend it. There are a very few experienced RVers that can do it well. But the vast majority of RV owners should not try it. There's too many bad things that can happen. When I was towing my CRV behind our motorhome, I just had the mindset that I didn't have a reverse gear unless I unhitched the toad.
Great video. Thanks so much! We've chosen our Class C but still "on the fence" on flat tow or tow dolly. Do you know if there is a forum/website where "like minded" folks sell good used equipment and/or flat tow vehicles?
Hi Brian. you can buy tow dollies without brakes built in. But I wouldn't advise that. Since the front wheels of the vehicle is on the dolly, the brakes will need to be on the dolly itself to be effective.
Hi Duane, does the odometer on the towed vehicle accrue miles with either towing method? This may matter when our lease end vehicle and do we choose another lease or finance.
It's hard to make a blanket statement on all vehicles John. But on my Honda CRV, flat towing it does not add to the odometer mileage. You may want to make sure about your leased vehicle though by contacting the manufacturer with that question.
@@johnelliott6738 Unfortunately, the last year that Honda made the CRV flat towable was 2014 John. Here are some other vehicle that can be used that might work well - rvinspectionandcare.com/best-flat-tow-vehicles-for-2022/ and rvinspectionandcare.com/best-vehicles-to-flat-tow/ . I hope that helps.
Hi Cathy. I have always used a Blue Ox tow bar. It has worked fine for me and many other RVers I know. But Roadmaster also makes a very good product too. As far as the battery is concerned, we never travel more than about 250 miles per day and that's not long enough to run the battery down in our CRV toad. And if we go on a long trip for some reason, starting and running the car every 300 miles or so when we stop would be fine. But others I know, pull a fuse to cut down on battery draw, while others install a disconnect switch for the battery. There are multiple ways to deal with battery drain and whatever works for you and your toad is fine. I hope that helps.
Why can’t I flat tow a vehicle such as a front wheel drive (e.g. 2011) Honda Odyssey with the engine running and transmission in neutral? Fuel burn should be very minimal and the idling engine should keep the transmission oil pumps engaged for protection. (Of course, A/C and all non essential accessory items should be turned off as well.)
Just consult your owners manual and see what it says. If it tells you that you can flat tow your vehicle while running and in neutral, then go ahead and do it. But if the manual doesn't specifically approve of that procedure, it's not a good idea.
I wouldn’t use either one. When, and i say when, we choose to bring along a drive vehicle i put it on a full double axle trailer with load ramps and tie it. Usually we just take the class a and if we want to go somewhere that our bicycles won’t take us we rent a car for the time we’ll be there or just don’t go.
Yes, I see quite a few large diesel pushers that show up in Arizona in the winter time with trailers that have two levels. And that way they can carry a vehicle and a motorcycle or off-roader in the trailer at the same time. Thanks for watching!
Fair and balanced perspective on this topic. Renting a car when I reach my destination works best for me.
Hi Robert. Actually I know a few folks that do that and like it. Or they just use Uber to get where they want to go.
Great content Duane. We've been towing our H-D motorcycle using a trailer we already owned, but are finding this has it's limits, mainly weather. After looking at the various options I'm going to flat tow using a NSA towbar with integrated braking. Fortunately we own a 4WD truck that can be flat towed and is within the combined weight limit of our Class A and I have the skills and tools to install it myself... even then the cost will be $3,000 for the necessary hardware.
BTW, the first time I heard about the NSA towbars was on one of your other videos, and I thank you for that.
Hi John. I'm glad you're taking a good look at the NSA bar. It's a pretty ingenious setup. And thanks for sharing your ideas about towing with us!
Worried about battery drain by leaving the key switch on to unlock the steering wheel, just have the steering lock removed. But a lot of cars don't have steering wheel lock. Also purchase a 4 tire pressure sensor system. 4 on the car if flat towing, or 2 on the dolly and 2 on the rear of the car. Great advice and videos Duane!
Thanks for sharing those ideas and suggestions. Have safe and happy travels!
You make great videos. We don’t own an RV yet, but we are seriously considering going to full time RV living and I have learned a lot watching your channel. Thanks a million.
That's awesome Ronald. I'm so glad that my video channel has been helpful for you. When you get your RV I hope you make lots of great memories, and have safe and happy travels with it!
You didn't mention the braking issue with a tow dolly. had to google it , but there must be trailer brakes on the tow dolly . My first thought was an enclosed trailer but one more thing to deal with at a campground I guess love your content
That's a good point and an oversight on my part not to include it in the video. There are lots of tow dollies that have either surge brakes or wired brakes that connect to your tow vehicle. You just want to avoid the really cheap dollies that have no brakes at all. Thanks for mentioning that here!
Great video. I've done both. By far flat towing my 2006 honda crv was worth it. Moving the 700 to 900 lb tow dolly was a pain in the butt. Thanks Don
Yes, I chose flat towing to avoid a lot of the physical work that comes with tow dollies myself Don. But I have seen several tow dolly towers who can wing their dolly around pretty easily on a campsite. Mostly younger folks ... :-)
On "Wrenchin with Kenny" he mentioned getting a car in, that the customer left in first gear. It made it to 45 before the engine exploded. That would be another con for flat towing.
WOW! That's a hefty penalty for not following the setup instructions very carefully!
A very helpful video. Thank you for putting these out.
Glad it was helpful Randy. Thanks for watching!
Interesting video. A couple of follow up videos for each one showing how to do both set ups would be interesting to watch as well. I always enjoy watching.
Good suggestion for another video. I'll see what I can do. Thanks for watching!
I'm having a problem deciding what vehicle I need for flat towing. I like the 2014 Hoda CRV, they are hard to find.
We have a 2011 CRV and it tows like a dream. I wish Honda would make the new CRV's flat towable, but I kind of get the feeling that it's not high on their priority list anymore. Thanks for watching!
On both setups you can’t reverse right? Also you are limited to front wheel drive cars on a tow dolly. Most tow dolly companies don’t recommend towing car backed on.
It's really not advisable to back up with either of these towing setups, although I have seen some people try it. I pretty much just figure that I don't have a reverse gear while the car is hooked up. I plan on only moving forward until it's disconnected.
I commend you for a posting a video about this very important topic. But, I noticed that you didn't talk about backing up with either a flat tow or tow dolly setup. I suggest you add additional information to discuss going in reverse with either of these methods of towing.
Hi Robbie. I don't mention backing up while towing a vehicle because I don't recommend it. There are a very few experienced RVers that can do it well. But the vast majority of RV owners should not try it. There's too many bad things that can happen. When I was towing my CRV behind our motorhome, I just had the mindset that I didn't have a reverse gear unless I unhitched the toad.
Great video. Thanks so much! We've chosen our Class C but still "on the fence" on flat tow or tow dolly. Do you know if there is a forum/website where "like minded" folks sell good used equipment and/or flat tow vehicles?
Hi Mary. You might try irv2.com . They have a classified section that includes RV accessories. I hope that helps.
It does - thanks! @@RVInspectionAndCare
Excellant video thanks.
So glad you like it and it was helpful for you. Thanks for watching!
Very informative, but I have one question. When using a tow dolly, are the brakes on the dolly's wheels or on the wheels of the vehicle being towed?
Hi Brian. you can buy tow dollies without brakes built in. But I wouldn't advise that. Since the front wheels of the vehicle is on the dolly, the brakes will need to be on the dolly itself to be effective.
Hi Duane, does the odometer on the towed vehicle accrue miles with either towing method? This may matter when our lease end vehicle and do we choose another lease or finance.
It's hard to make a blanket statement on all vehicles John. But on my Honda CRV, flat towing it does not add to the odometer mileage. You may want to make sure about your leased vehicle though by contacting the manufacturer with that question.
@@RVInspectionAndCare we are considering replacing our Tiguan with a CRV. Do you like the hybrid or gas engine?
@@johnelliott6738 Unfortunately, the last year that Honda made the CRV flat towable was 2014 John. Here are some other vehicle that can be used that might work well - rvinspectionandcare.com/best-flat-tow-vehicles-for-2022/ and rvinspectionandcare.com/best-vehicles-to-flat-tow/ . I hope that helps.
Great video.
So glad you enjoyed it. And thanks to you for leaving positive feedback!
What brand of tow equipment do you use? Is Blue Ox good? Also, how do you protect the battery in the toad?
Thx in advance for any replies😊
Hi Cathy. I have always used a Blue Ox tow bar. It has worked fine for me and many other RVers I know. But Roadmaster also makes a very good product too. As far as the battery is concerned, we never travel more than about 250 miles per day and that's not long enough to run the battery down in our CRV toad. And if we go on a long trip for some reason, starting and running the car every 300 miles or so when we stop would be fine. But others I know, pull a fuse to cut down on battery draw, while others install a disconnect switch for the battery. There are multiple ways to deal with battery drain and whatever works for you and your toad is fine. I hope that helps.
Why can’t I flat tow a vehicle such as a front wheel drive (e.g. 2011) Honda Odyssey with the engine running and transmission in neutral? Fuel burn should be very minimal and the idling engine should keep the transmission oil pumps engaged for protection. (Of course, A/C and all non essential accessory items should be turned off as well.)
Just consult your owners manual and see what it says. If it tells you that you can flat tow your vehicle while running and in neutral, then go ahead and do it. But if the manual doesn't specifically approve of that procedure, it's not a good idea.
Great thanks
You are welcome. Thanks for watching!
I wouldn’t use either one. When, and i say when, we choose to bring along a drive vehicle i put it on a full double axle trailer with load ramps and tie it.
Usually we just take the class a and if we want to go somewhere that our bicycles won’t take us we rent a car for the time we’ll be there or just don’t go.
That will work too. Thanks for sharing your unique approach to having a daily driver vehicle on the road.
There are reasons to tow a trailer behind for a tow vehicle and put your other vehicle in it.
Yes, I see quite a few large diesel pushers that show up in Arizona in the winter time with trailers that have two levels. And that way they can carry a vehicle and a motorcycle or off-roader in the trailer at the same time. Thanks for watching!
As a newbie….We really like your videos and have learned a lot. Thank you and keep them coming.
That's awesome George. Thanks for the positive feedback. It's much appreciated!