Hello Rob:
I have a 1992 Honda Accord EXR that I would like to tow behind my motorhome. I am wondering if the vehicle is towable.
I have checked with the owner’s manual and they advise that I can tow it but not to exceed 55 km/h or tow for distances of more than 80 km. They also say that I should first start the engine and shift to D4 and then to N and shut the engine off to prepare it for towing.
Obviously if I tow it behind the motorhome I will want to go faster than 55 km/h and for a longer distance than 80 kms. I am wondering if I can really tow it faster than that and go longer distances if I stop every 100 kms or so and start the vehicle let it run for a few minutes and then shift it to D4 and then N and shut it off. I would like to avoid disconnecting the drive shaft or purchasing a tow dolly.
I know there are times when the factory will go overboard in their directions to protect themselves. I have checked with several local Honda dealers and some have said that the vehicle is okay to tow and I shouldn't have any problems but I have also had other dealers tell me that I should do what they suggest in the owner’s manual.
I would appreciate your advice/comments on this. I would appreciate any ideas you may have to solve this problem.
Verle – Armstrong, BC
Tough one Verle, but I always suggest planning for the worst case scenario, because if anything goes sideways, you’ll be prepared. And you’re right, the owner’s manual will always advise being cautious, but usually that’s a good thing, because the auto maker wants your car to last a long time with as little hassle as possible.
Towing an automatic transmission-equipped car (or hauling a dinghy, as this is sometimes called) that is not designed for this purpose can get expensive. Most automatics require the engine to turn over, which rotates the hydraulic pump at the front of the transmission. This provides the operating pressures, and more importantly in your case, supplies the much-needed lubrication fluid. Without this lubrication, the interior pieces of the transmission will try to erase themselves.
If it were me, I wouldn’t tow it with all four tires on the ground (four down in RV lingo). I would either use a dolly or trade in the Honda for a car with a manual transmission.
I checked dozens of towing and RV forums and web sites. Every one I went to had a list of towable vehicles and in every case; the link to the list was broken. No one is sticking their neck out by telling people it’s safe to tow particular. The only consensus is that the vehicle should be a manual transmission.
I found these sites did not even mention the Saturn brand, which for years had been the only auto maker that made automatic cars that could be towed. No one is putting anything out there that could possibly lead to a day (or 50) in court.
Sorry Verle, but I’m afraid you’ll need to dolly or trade in.
