Can i tow a Honda Civic Hybrid with my 2012 Sr5 from Utah to Baltimore? Dillema...

[manicboy111]

I am moving to Baltimore MD from Utah and need several questions answered before i put my 2012 4Runner through this journey. i am going to be using a Uhaul tow dolly (just 2 front wheels on the dolly, 2 back wheels on road).

1. Is it a good idea to tow my Honda behind the 4runner? i am worried about wearing my transmission/eng etc. the Civic curb weight is 2800 lbs.? The trip is 2100 miles.

2. Do i need to make any modifications to my 4runner? or is stock model able to handle this since it is supposed to pull 5000. Will this hurt my 4runner in any way.

3. Should i pull it in 2 wheel drive or switch to 4*4?

4. Any other considerations?

5. What is the gas mileage i will be getting towing 2800 lbs honda behind my 4runner. P.s 4runner will be loaded with junk i am moving


Also my dillema is this: i can ship the 4 runner for $825 or drive it and pull the civic behind it. It will cost me $300 to rent Uhaul dolly. Plus i have to account for decrease in gas mileage, and thus does it make sense to load up the 4 runner and ship it or drive it and pull honda behind it.

Please give your feedback. I am mostly concerned about gas mileage, because my Civic mileage is around 34-38. 4Runner is 19-21. Gas mileage difference might be large enough to just ship the car...

Thanks

 

[02_SE_Runner]

I am not sure about some of your questions but I will offer some tips.
You shouldn't have to put it in 4x4 at all just to tow, that would also give you worse gas mileage. I doubt you need to make any mods to pull your civic since the 5th gens are rated at 5000lbs. I would consider you to put your civic on a flatbed trailer, because if your tranny is spinning even if your engine is off, your mileage will still be cranking up even if it's (again) not running.

 

[philsey]

Are you by yourself?

Do you have any towing experience?

Do you know how to achieve proper tongue weight?

Have you ever towed this type rig before? Backing it is a b!tch.

1. Is it a good idea to tow my Honda behind the 4runner? i am worried about wearing my transmission/eng etc. the Civic curb weight is 2800 lbs.? The trip is 2100 miles.

* I don't know about the Honda Hybrid's drivetrain ... is it strictly FWD? You will not hurt the 4R at all.

2. Do i need to make any modifications to my 4runner? or is stock model able to handle this since it is supposed to pull 5000. Will this hurt my 4runner in any way.

* No, but depending on how loaded + tongue weight, you might appreciate air bags. Yes. No.

3. Should i pull it in 2 wheel drive or switch to 4*4?

* 2WD, unless you encounter some winter conditions.

4. Any other considerations?

* See above.

5. What is the gas mileage i will be getting towing 2800 lbs honda behind my 4runner. P.s 4runner will be loaded with junk i am moving

* I'd guess at 12 mountains, 16 flat.

 

[westwind77]

...
Also my dillema is this: i can ship the 4 runner for $825 or drive it and pull the civic behind it...

Thanks

There is your answer. Between your cost for the trailer and extra fuel cost there might be a couple hundred difference, not enough to be worth the hassle. I tow things every day, but if you have not dealt with it before I would suggest paying the few extra to be able to enjoy your trip without any worries. If you decided to do it I would go for a flatbed trailer (if you can find one).

 

[philsey]

There is your answer. Between your cost for the trailer and extra fuel cost there might be a couple hundred difference, not enough to be worth the hassle. I tow things every day, but if you have not dealt with it before I would suggest paying the few extra to be able to enjoy your trip without any worries. If you decided to do it I would go for a flatbed trailer (if you can find one).

After all my BS, I agree with ^^ this.

 

[1engineer]

After all my BS, I agree with ^^ this.

And I agree with this. Spend the shipping money and save yourself hassle. If you have to ask the questions you did in the OP shipping the 4Runner is best for you.

 

[Glock_19]

Personally, I think it pays to just load up the 4Runner with as much stuff as you can and have it shipped. It will be a lot less stressful and (assuming you haven't towed this car before) a lot safer. Those factors plus gas mileage make it money well spend in my opinion.

 

[manicboy111]

Thanks

I appreciate everyones input. The civic is front wheel drive so it wouldnt affect mileage on the civic at all. I have towed before but only short distances so i am not worried about towing, but if i am loaded up to the hilt with moving junk and then driving through some crappy two lane roads in wyoming and nebraska etc. i think its better to ship it. the flatbed trailer on uhaul for this trip would be $600 vs $300 for tow dolly. so yeah it looks like it will be shipped.
Thanks!

 

[02_SE_Runner]

I appreciate everyones input. The civic is front wheel drive so it wouldnt affect mileage on the civic at all. I have towed before but only short distances so i am not worried about towing, but if i am loaded up to the hilt with moving junk and then driving through some crappy two lane roads in wyoming and nebraska etc. i think its better to ship it. the flatbed trailer on uhaul for this trip would be $600 vs $300 for tow dolly. so yeah it looks like it will be shipped.
Thanks!

For that price difference I would say ship it. Because if you tow only two wheels you'll still put some wear on the rear tires of the civic. I would load up the 4runner with stuff get it shipped then have fun driving the civic to your destination!

 

[hstn_texas]

I appreciate everyones input. The civic is front wheel drive so it wouldnt affect mileage on the civic at all. I have towed before but only short distances so i am not worried about towing, but if i am loaded up to the hilt with moving junk and then driving through some crappy two lane roads in wyoming and nebraska etc. i think its better to ship it. the flatbed trailer on uhaul for this trip would be $600 vs $300 for tow dolly. so yeah it looks like it will be shipped.
Thanks!

Those prices blow man. I pulled a Penske dolly from TX to WA for a lot cheaper than that. But not pulling makes side trips and sight seeing along the way easier. So I'd ship. Make sure the shippers let u load it up with personal effects. Some don't.

 

[JohnJerk]

The biggest problem would appear to be you're moving from Utah to Baltimore.:yo:

 

[smilycook]

You might just want to ship the civic and then load up the 4runner and drive it yourself. My parents recently shipped some cars across the country and nothing could be higher than the bottom of the window. Plus the driver expected a $100 tip for watching the stuff. Unless your 4runner is on top of the car carrier it would be easy for someone to break in and steal your stuff while the driver is sleeping.

 

[philsey]

Meh, sell the damned Civic.