Newbie Alert: Hopeful Owner with Honda CRV towing

[rewster79]

Hi there!

Brand new member here, so please forgive my ignorance...

My family of 3 (myself + wife + son) really want to get into the pop-up camping lifestyle.  However, our only towing vehicle would be a 2014 Honda CRV, which is rated for a 1,500 lb towing capacity.  We really want to make this work without needing to upgrade to a bigger vehicle, considering it will be a daily commuter 99% of the time and we're trying to keep things economical.

Researching lower-weight camper options lead me to the Quicksilver series, and I instantly fell in love with them.  I'm new to towing in general, and I'm trying to understand all of the weight limits and capacities.  Obviously since we'll be towing the camper with everyone aboard the CRV, safety is the absolute main concern. (Not to mention keeping the CRV in good mechanical shape).

My wife isn't keen on the smallest option (Quicksilver 6.0) since she really wants our son to have his own second bed (not just sleeping on the dinette conversion).  Our ideal option would be the 8.1 model.

So the big question is:  Can the Honda CRV (1,500 lb towing capacity) handle the 8.0 or 8.1 size SAFELY?  I'm honestly confused by the "dry weight" rating (1,127 lbs at standard, no options) vs. "payload capacity" (373 lbs) vs. GVWR rating (1,500 lbs).  

Does this mean that I can safely tow this within limits as long as there is no more than 373 lbs of extra load on the trailer?  Since I live in Florida, adding the AC option is a MUST and ideally I would like to add the rear deck option as well.  The LP option would be a "nice-to-have", but I'm willing to let that go if it becomes a weight issue.  Is there any way of pre-determine how much weight those options add?

Also, what effect does this have on how much weight can be carried in the vehicle itself?  There would be 3 of us at about 450 lbs, plus standard camping cargo.

The last (and most important) question:  Assuming this is all correct and I have an even 1,500 lbs on trailer, matching the CRV's towing capacity -- is it even a good idea for me to max out that capacity?  I would feel much better keeping a buffer zone, but considering this may be the difference between following through or giving up the dream completely, is a buffer important or no?

Any insight is greatly appreciated!  Keep in mind I really want the straight, brutal truth.  Even if it's not what I want to hear.  I don't want to compromise safety, above all else.

[pjcd]

Read your owners manual thoroughly, your CRV may have a 1500lbs tow rating, IF the vehicle is properly equipped! Also, it may stipulate that in order to tow 1500lbs, the trailer may require brakes. Also, you tow rating includes what ever you have in the CRV, people, supplies ect. If your trailer is maxed out at 1500 and you have 500lbs in the car, your over your limit.

[sandyu]

I wish had better news. Your crv will be beyond its limits. I think the 6.0 is still a nice option. I have learned from this board the 6.0 can cool it's self during the day. That is something the 10.0 can't do.  

[catmanriff]

funny that in Europe the CRV towing capacity is nearly twice that amount. We have more lawsuits in the US. argh. I think that 1500 lbs is still pretty safe in a CRV. 300 lbs of extra stuff is quite a lot. I bet we have only 100 lbs in our 10.0. 


I towed stuff with my Element and it worked flawlessly. But, I don't know how comfortable I'd be suggesting an 8 or 8.1 behind your car, regardless of whether i'd do it. If you overloaded it and something bad happened, you might open yourself up to legal issues. Under that weight, I'd feel pretty confident the driveline would be fine. 

[david]

[p]Although I am not one to recommend pushing tow ratings, I think you will be ok towing a QS 8.0/8.1 with your CRV. The tow rating for the CRV is low for that kind of vehicle. Most small SUVs are rated for at least 2,000 lbs. The Honda has a curb weight of 3,500 lbs and a payload of about 1,000 lbs more. So with options, gas, 450 lbs of passengers and 200 lbs of tongue weight you should still be within its GVWR.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Step on the bumper and see how much the rear end sags. If it doesn't sag more than 1-1/2" with 175-200 lbs on the bumper, you should be ok.

A QS 8 will definitely be pushing 1,500 lbs and probably over that with the options you want, particularly the LPG package and some gear. Check the axle and tire ratings to see if they are good for 1,500 lbs which gives you a total trailer weight of 1,700 lbs with the tongue weight. I will bet they are, maybe 2,000 lbs even.

Your drive train should be fine, with the possible exception of transmission cooling. Paul, if you are reading this, did your 2014 Escape have a transmission cooler? He towed a taller and heavier CL13 with his 2.0 liter Escape before he upgraded to a full size Ford pickup. Maybe you should add an aftermarket transmission cooler if you don't have one. And definitely order your QS 8 with electric brakes.

It can be done, but might take some upgrades to your TV though.

David[/p]

[pinstriper]

TANSTATMTV

[flemke]

I tow my QS10 with a 2015 CRV, it tows like a dream, I lose about 4-5 mpg.  When I picked mine up in Salt Lake I stopped by Yellowstone for a few days on the way back to Seattle and it barely slowed down on hills.  The only thing that worried me is braking and I'm adding electric brakes to the trailer before a trip to the owners rally in Oregon then on to Glacier National Park.  I am usually by myself or with my son so I don't have a lot in the CRV besides the cooler and a couple of food boxes. 

[daplumbr]

You'll find a lot of good info for LL products on this site, but you might find more (better?) info on towing with a CRV on a CRV forum. I used to own a CRV and one forum I used is the crvownersclub. It's active enough to have current posts and there is a separate section on towing with the CRV. Here is the link:

http://www.crvownersclub.com/forums/26-racks-hitches-towing/

Spend some time on the threads there and see what you think about all the aspects of towing with a CRV. 

[imaginer697]

I have a qs 10 that I pull with a 2008 CRV with no issues.