TOWING YOUR HONDA BEHIND A MOTORHOME
For your Civic, the Owner's Manual advises against towing at more than 35 mph or for more than 50 miles. However, this recommendation exists primarily because American Honda has not conducted formal towing tests at higher speeds and for greater distances.
We are not aware of any particular problems being caused by towing on all four tires, or "motorhome towing", of Honda automobiles with either a manual or an automatic transmission, as long as proper pre-towing preparations are made and the vehicle is towed at legal highway speeds.
Manual Transmission
When preparing to tow your vehicle, make sure the transmission is full of fluid. Do not overfill.
Release the parking brake.
Shift the transmission to Neutral.
Turn the ignition key to the ACCESSORY (I) position to release the steering wheel lock. Make sure that the radio and all accessories are turned off.
Automatic Transmission
When preparing to tow your vehicle, make sure the transmission fluid level is full. Do not overfill.
If a Honda automobile with an automatic transmission is to be towed with the front or all four wheels on the ground, you must do the following every day immediately before towing:
Start the engine.
Press on the brake pedal. Shift the lever through all positions. For example (P,R,N,D,2,1).
Shift to D, then to N. Let the engine run for at least three minutes, then turn off the engine.
Release the parking brake.
Leave the ignition switch in ACCESSORY(I) so that the steering wheel does not lock. Make sure the radio and any items plugged into the accessory power sockets are turned off so you do not run down the battery.
Extended Towing: If you travel more than 8 hours in one day (including stopping time), you must stop and repeat the above procedures. You should repeat the procedure at least every 8 hours. (When you stop for fuel, etc.)
NOTICE:
The steering system can be damaged if the steering wheel is locked. Always leave the key in the ACCESSORY (I) position to prevent damage to the steering system when towing behind another vehicle.
CAUTION:
SEVERE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DAMAGE WILL OCCUR IF THE CAR IS SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO NEUTRAL AND THEN TOWED WITH THE DRIVE WHEELS ON THE GROUND.
NOTICE:
Improper towing preparation will damage the transmission. Follow the above procedure exactly. If you cannot shift the transmission or start the engine, your vehicle must be transported on a flat-bed truck or trailer.
If you tow a Honda vehicle with automatic transmission, the transmission fluid must be changed every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Although experience has shown that the Honda transmission and powertrain are capable of being "motorhome towed" on all four tires, American Honda does not assume responsibility for any vehicle damage or liabilities incurred due to the towing device, towing vehicle, lighting hookup, or other towing equipment or towing procedures; any responsibility for these items is assumed by the owner/operator.
For more information about towing your vehicle, check your Owner's Manual or contact us.
Has anyone else had similar problem what did you do to resolve it.
