I have a 97 runner automatic v6 no 4x4. I am moving out of state. Will be a 5 hour drive to our new home. I was wondering if I could tow our 92 honda accord 4door with our 4runner. What does everybody think. We really don't want to get someone else to drive the honda. Is it safe? Anybody do this? Any help would be great. thanks
97 tow a car?
- Thread starter hdoggie24
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The first question is: Is the Honda an automatic or manual transmission? If it a manual you can tow with a tow bar, but if it's an automatic, you may have to rent a tow dolly to prevent overheating the Honda transmision. You can check with Honda about towing with an auto tranny for that year.
The weight of the Honda will not be a problem, I've towed much more than that with my '97 4Runner. if you use the tow bar option you'll just have to leave LOT'S of stopping distance as you won't have "trailer brakes" - you'll be depending on the 4Runner brakes to stop both vehicles.
You'll also need trailer/brake light kit on the back of the Honda.
Good luck.
The weight of the Honda will not be a problem, I've towed much more than that with my '97 4Runner. if you use the tow bar option you'll just have to leave LOT'S of stopping distance as you won't have "trailer brakes" - you'll be depending on the 4Runner brakes to stop both vehicles.
You'll also need trailer/brake light kit on the back of the Honda.
Good luck.
Your situation is extremely similar to mine. I have a 1997 V6 that I used to tow a 1990 honda accord a distance of about 130 miles. I rented a tow dolly from uhaul which required only the honda's front wheels off the ground.
Plan for a long trip. The trailer I rented had a warning on it that said it's max safe speed was something like 45 mph. I may have hit 50 mph max. Also be prepared for extended stopping distance and acceleration times.
Plan for a long trip. The trailer I rented had a warning on it that said it's max safe speed was something like 45 mph. I may have hit 50 mph max. Also be prepared for extended stopping distance and acceleration times.
towing a honda
I believe that Honda's (before 2002) are one of the few automatics you can flat tow, without the expense & weight of using a tow dolly. (U-Haul trailers & dollys are VERY heavy). It is not recommend to flat tow a Honda 2003 or newer, due to changes in the transmission.
But PLEASE do your own reserach. I have not towed a Honda myself. I just looked into it for my parents who were looking to buy a tow car for their motorhome.
Please see the bulletin from Honda below---
Service Bulletin Regarding Honda Towability
2/22/00
(all models except CR-V)
Dear customer:
Regarding your inquiry on towing your Honda or Acura automobile behind a motorhome:
For your vehicle, the Owner's Manual advises against towing at more than 35 m.p.h or for more than 50 miles. However, this recommendation exists primarily because Honda has not conducted formal tests at higher speeds and for greater distances.
We are not aware of any particular problems being caused by motorhome towing of Honda/Acura automobiles with either manual or automatic transmission, so 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.
I believe that Honda's (before 2002) are one of the few automatics you can flat tow, without the expense & weight of using a tow dolly. (U-Haul trailers & dollys are VERY heavy). It is not recommend to flat tow a Honda 2003 or newer, due to changes in the transmission.
But PLEASE do your own reserach. I have not towed a Honda myself. I just looked into it for my parents who were looking to buy a tow car for their motorhome.
Please see the bulletin from Honda below---
Service Bulletin Regarding Honda Towability
2/22/00
(all models except CR-V)
Dear customer:
Regarding your inquiry on towing your Honda or Acura automobile behind a motorhome:
For your vehicle, the Owner's Manual advises against towing at more than 35 m.p.h or for more than 50 miles. However, this recommendation exists primarily because Honda has not conducted formal tests at higher speeds and for greater distances.
We are not aware of any particular problems being caused by motorhome towing of Honda/Acura automobiles with either manual or automatic transmission, so 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.
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To flat tow, you need a tow bar. These can be kind of a pain because usually you need to buy or build brackets that bolt to your car securely enough to tow with. Every time I've used one, I've built brackets that bolt to the frame rails and come out from under the car. I know some companies make brackets specifically for different models of cars (sort of like trailer hitches), but they're pretty expensive.
As someone stated before, don't flat-tow a car with an automatic transmission. Even if someone says it's ok, it's always risky. I learned this the hard way, fortunately the car in question was under warranty still and they didn't give me any grief but it could have cost me several thousand dollars.
As someone stated before, don't flat-tow a car with an automatic transmission. Even if someone says it's ok, it's always risky. I learned this the hard way, fortunately the car in question was under warranty still and they didn't give me any grief but it could have cost me several thousand dollars.
