Towing a Honda Fit

Danny Holder · January 04, 2017, 07:37:20 AM

I'm wanting to tow our Honda Fit. I've been reading about four wheel down, trailer, etc. Some web sites say, "No". Others imply I can but need to take certain precautions. Ideas

Thanks

lvmci · January 04, 2017, 09:08:08 AM

hi Danny, I thought a Fit was a Honda? lvmci...

Danny Holder · January 04, 2017, 09:33:19 AM

HaHa. Yeah - I made the change

Ed Hackenbruch · January 04, 2017, 09:43:29 AM

Get the owners manual for that year make/model car and see what it says about towing.

TomC · January 04, 2017, 09:58:27 AM

I think you'll find manual OK. Automatic, stop every 2 hours and run car for 15 minutes. BUT-find out for yourself from Honda. Good Luck, TomC

Oonrahnjay · January 04, 2017, 10:07:17 AM

Quote from: TomC on January 04, 2017, 09:58:27 AMI think you'll find manual OK. Automatic, stop every 2 hours and run car for 15 minutes. BUT-find out for yourself from Honda. Good Luck, TomC

On many cars with automatic transmissions, that run time in neutral is to circulate/cool the transmission fluid. VW says that their manual cars have a pump that runs off the input (from the engine shaft) to provide lube oil to the transmission and they shouldn't be towed in neutral because there would be no oil pressure inside the transmission; a number of people have towed VW manual cars for thousands of miles with no problems (I can't believe that splash-lubrication wouldn't be good enough for a transmission that's turning with no load, so I'm going to tow and forget about it).

Just saying, there are many different design details on cars and different recommendations out there.

Lee Bradley · January 04, 2017, 11:10:04 AM

Depends on what transmission you have in your Fit. I bought a 2013 CRV because it could be flat towed but the following year Honda started using their continuously variable transmission in the CRV, that cannot be flat towed.

B_K · January 04, 2017, 12:05:13 PM

Do like some and let the car idle while towing will sip very little gas and you'll know your transmission is safe!

BK

buswarrior · January 04, 2017, 12:58:22 PM

Also, don't forget the "flooding" option, where you over-fill it while towing.

I liked George Brock's Chrysler minivan set-up, that he towed behind the mid-door 4104 when I first met him and Marg.

Install an underhood reservoir of appropriate volume, (washer or radiator bottle from another vehicle)
A line out the bottom with valve plumbed to the transmission cooling line via a T.
To toad 4 down, simply open valve, watch contents drain down into transmission.
Running the engine with the valve open pumps the reservoir back up.
A line drawn on the reservoir shows when the transmission is back at operating level, close valve, go motoring.

Lots of ways to keep that transmission happy!!

happy coaching!
buswarrior

chessie4905 · January 04, 2017, 02:29:00 PM

You can find list here...
http://www.motorhome.com/download-dinghy-guides/

If that says no, you can google a search for towing Honda Fit.

Danny Holder · January 04, 2017, 03:54:46 PM

Thanks guys for all the information.

TomC · January 04, 2017, 04:18:44 PM

Even towing a manual transmission, you have to be careful. When the engine is running, it is spinning the gears in the transmission throwing oil all over the gears. When the engine is off, and you're pulling, the gears are not turning, but the inner shaft is-where lack of oil can burn up the transmission. Follow manufacturer recommendation Good Luck, TomC

Seangie · January 04, 2017, 06:07:51 PM

Check with Remco. They are a pretty solid source of information
http://www.remcoindustries.com/Towing/

A lot of manufacturers (such as Honda) no longer reccomend towing 4 down because of the liability. They found most people don't follow instructions well.

We have a 2005 Honda pilot that we just bought specifically for towing 4 down and it fits all the kids.

When it was new towing was no problem but now 12 years later its no longer reccomended.

One thing you can do is check the transmission and transfer case manufacturer. Sometimes you might find that your make (Honda) says no but you'll see another vehicle with the same drivetrain (Acura) that says yes its okay.

Anyway you do it, there will be a risk. I can't see a car being hauled around the country with 4 down to be in the same shape as a car that was just driven around town for the same amount of miles... wear and tear will differ.

-Sean

jcussen · January 04, 2017, 06:41:33 PM

Been flat towing a fit for a year.Engine on, drive to neutral for 3 min then engine off. Leave in neutral and key in
acc. Repeat every day if towing over 500 miles. All autos and manuals are towable, newer cvt transmission 2013 up? are not.
Great toad, only about 2500 lb.

oltrunt · January 06, 2017, 07:09:08 PM

According to the owners manual for the 4X4 Geo Tracker chassis under my toad I am supposed to stop at 100 mile intervals and run the engine/transmission in drive for 3 minutes to lube up the front half of the transfer case. Seems like a PITA but I'm usually ready to stretch my legs after a hundred mile drive anyway so no big deal for me. Besides, that way I don't have to deal with a dolly or car trailer.
Jack