QuestionI have a 2002 Honda Civic EX (manual) and have an 84 Honda VF700S Sabre that I need to tow from Minnesota to Chicago. The owner's manual states that the Civic isn't made for towing, but the total weight of bike trailer should be around 1000 lbs... driving mainly across the (relatively) flat state of Wisconsin. Is this feat possible?
AnswerSure it's possible, but the manufacturer didn't say it wasn't for towing period, just because they needed to fill some space in the manual!
In an economy car like that, they are optimized for a specific mission, and towing isn't part of it. Some of the bigger mid-size cars limit towing to 1000 pounds with twice the power!
You are risking transmission failure, body flex if the hitch isn't put in right, suspension failure and more.
In reality, chances are it will do it without a failure, but I wouldn't recommend it for safety reasons.
I would change the transmission fluid, and engine oil/filter before towing the first time, and change tranny fluid every year if you tow much at all. Yes it is a manual transmission but the lube inside those can heat up and go bad too.
Get a class 1 or 2 frame mounted receiver style hitch with a proper ball. Remember that at least 100 pounds of weight must be on the hitch ball for safe towing of the trailer.
Get electric trailer brakes if possible, it is maybe not needed, but if you can get them, they will help the overworked brakes on the honda.
Don
