QuestionI'm buying a Class C mini motor home and need to tow my 2003 Honda Civic. I've read several different things on the Internet, from "don't do it according to Honda", to "I've traveled across country without problem", to "it's ok as long as you cycle the transmission every 8 hours of tow." What's the scoop. And a related question: is there any advantage/disadvantage to using a dolly instead?
AnswerDave,
I assume your Civic has an automatic transmission.
Your owner's manual should have a section call 'Recreational Towing' or something to that effect.
It will tell you that you can tow the car without distance or time limits after following very simple steps.
They are:
Start Engine
Shift to 'D'
Shift to 'N'
Turn Off Engine
DO NOT USE 'R' PRIOR TO TOWING!
You must follow this procedure immediately before driving away in the motorhome. (Hook up the car to the motorhome, double check all your connection, follow instructions above, go.)
There is an 8 hour limit on the Honda Pilot, but not the Civic (as far as I'm aware {consult your manual}).
A dolly is useful if you tow your primary vehicle a couple of times a year and will be replacing your towed vehicle on a regular basis. Baseplates are not terribly cheap, nor is the installation of the baseplate and wiring. In this case, you can use a dolly and tow a large variety of cars without modification. The downsides are: initial cost is very high, they are hard to store (both at home and in a campground), another vehicle requires licensing and insurance.
I have worked it out and it would take AT LEAST 2-3 car changes to make up for the extra cost of a tow dolly (new RoadMaster dolly with brakes).
Good Luck,
Shayne Peterson
MobileHitch
http://www.mobilehitch.ca/
