Hi, we're new to the forum and FG world ..

[Salchicha]

We discovered this great resource a few months ago after being camped beside a trillium. The owners gave us a tour and let us know about this website which we have lurked on ever since!

After reading lots of posts we're getting ready to buy. A big question for us though is can our car handle towing ? It's a very trusty 2003 Honda CRV. Super high mileage and we've had it for ten years. ( So not going to get much if we have to sell it) The plan before the camper dream was to drive it into the ground.

Has anyone towed with an older model CRV?

Can it handle a boler/trillium/lil Bigfoot?

Ps in Canada so no scamps/casitas here as far as I know.

[EricAllyn]

Welcome! Lot's of good info here. There was a thread not long ago about tow vehicles and the Honda CRV was one of the ones talk about. A search for that thread would give a lot of info. I haven't figured out the search well myself or I would just post a link. Also there is a "wieghts in teh real world excel sheet that is very helpful.

[rbryan]

With a towing capacity of only 1500 lbs, you'd be hard pressed to tow most fiberglass trailers, except for the smallest and lightest, like a Little Joe, Happier Camper, or maybe another small one in the 13 foot range. There are some older fiberglass trailers that might make the cut as well, but to keep the trailer at around 1200-1300 lbs (you have to account for the cargo you'll put in it) they're all going to be very basic.

I'd suggest getting the fiberglass trailer you want, and that fits your camping style, then find a tow for it if it's over the CR-V towing capacity - which it almost certainly will be.

Also keep in mind, towing capacity is only part of the picture. You need to consider the GVWR (maximum weight of the trailer and all contents), the GCWR (the maximum weight of both the trailer and the tow combined) and the payload capacity of the tow vehicle (maximum weight of the interior cargo and all occupants). It's generally not a good idea to exceed any of these ratings.

Check out the thread "Trailer Weights In The Real World" to give you a good idea of the typical weights of various brands:

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=43010

[Borrego Dave]

Welcome to the forum James. You'll be getting some real life answers from CRV owners very soon .

[mary and bob]

We have a 2003 CRV, have owned it for at least 8 years. It now has about 175,000 miles on it and has been a very good car. We have used it to tow our 1984 Uhaul 13 foot camper which weighs about 1400 lb. and has no brakes. Don't like the no brake thing, but cautious driving has worked out for three trips to Florida. We did one time look at a Scamp 16, hooked it up to the Honda, and felt that the tongue weight was too much for the car and did not buy the Scamp. The Florida trips were for a 3 month period so the car was loaded, stuff in a roof carrier too, and a lot of stuff in the trailer. When we bought a Casita 17 we also bought a pickup to pull it so now the Honda only gets used to tow our teardrop camper. I believe the CRV is rated to tow 1500 lb.

[Jon in AZ]

I believe your CRV is rated to tow 1500 pounds. The trailers you named generally weigh 1400-1800 pounds loaded. IF there are only 1-2 people, IF you pack very lightly, IF you have electric brakes on the trailer (not all 13'ers do), IF you install a transmission cooler and brake wiring on the CRV, IF you travel mostly in moderate terrain...

Bottom line: possible but marginal. We have a 2006 CRV (155K, rated 1500#) and a 2011 Pilot (115K, rated 3500#). The CRV is a solid, reliable vehicle, but because we are 4 people, tow regularly in mountains and canyons, and bring a fair bit of stuff (bicycles, large canopy, outside kitchen, large 50# ice chest, chairs), we only tow our 13' Scamp with the Pilot. Ours weighs about 1350# empty and 1750# loaded. Much as we love the CRV, the Pilot is quieter and more comfortable for a long road trip.

To repeat, trailer brakes and a transmission cooler (unless it's a stick shift, of course) are essential. It will take some money to get the CRV set up properly for towing. With a high mileage vehicle you'll have to decide if it's worth the investment or better to start over with a newer vehicle. A good independent mechanic that knows your vehicle might help you decide.

We were in the same boat with an older, high-mileage, but mechanically sound Sienna when we got our Scamp. We elected to start over with the Pilot.

Tough decision. Best wishes!

Late thought... One vintage molded trailer to keep an eye out for is a Hunter Compact Jr. (not Compact I or II). It is narrower, shorter (thanks to the pop-top roof), and lighter than most 13'ers. It has a great layout for 1-2 people, with a larger bed than Bolers, Trilliums, etc. It doesn't have quite the same "cute" factor, but it would be a good fit for your CRV.

[margeleept]

Have you considered a teardrop? They are essentially a bed on wheels with an outside kitchen in the back. Ours weighs around 800 pounds. Check out Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers • Index page

[k0wtz]

I maintain those manufactures underrate their cars or trucks to protect themselves on warrantees!

I don't think going over by a few hundred pounds is going to hurt the tug! I think watching your fluids closely is most important in towing. Watch the smell of your transmission fluid for burn smell and do not get stuck this is the hardest thing on a transmission there is. Get it hot once and get ready for the repair shop.

Been there done that several times and everytime on tear down the transmission filter would be clogged rendering the movement of transmission fluid down to nothing.

bob

[Kai in Seattle]

Unless you get a current weight certificate (you can get them at some gravel yards, for example) do NOT, and I repeat, NOT just accept any weight stated by a seller. You don't have to be fierce about it, but you should be serious. Very serious. Our seller promised our 1973 amerigo was 1360 dry.

It is NOT. It is 1990 pounds dry. That's without propane or batteries and with only mattresses, curtains, and a microwave inside. Well, the walls of course...

Go on this site up to Search, click, go to the bottom blank and type in, Trailer Weights in the Real World and you will see a chart that gives a good sampling of these little eggs weighed in actual camping conditions.

Just be sure you see an official weight. It matters. And people can be mistaken all too easily, I'm not going to say they're lying...any more than a fisherman "lies" about the length of that BIG YUGE trout he caught fifteen years ago. But if you're planning a meal, you want to know how big this trout is--today.

And you need to KNOW (not guess or believe what the seller asserts) what was in the trailer when weighed. DRY weight and LOADED weights (WET weights?) can be hundreds of pounds different. TONGUE weight is also vital.

Find out what load your vehicle is rated for towing, total and tongue (and there are far more things to think about if you care to...see posts above), this is a minimum. A dealership can usually tell you.

Welcome to the fiberglass world!

BEST
Kai

[c65]

Originally Posted by Salchicha

We discovered this great resource a few months ago after being camped beside a trillium. The owners gave us a tour and let us know about this website which we have lurked on ever since!

After reading lots of posts we're getting ready to buy. A big question for us though is can our car handle towing ? It's a very trusty 2003 Honda CRV. Super high mileage and we've had it for ten years. ( So not going to get much if we have to sell it) The plan before the camper dream was to drive it into the ground.

Has anyone towed with an older model CRV?

Can it handle a boler/trillium/lil Bigfoot?

Ps in Canada so no scamps/casitas here as far as I know.

I live in Burlington, Ontario and I am the second owner​ of a 17' Casita Liberty Deluxe I found it on the internet. The original owner is from Orillia, Ontario and he drove to Rice, Texas to get it. You also find them for sale on the Casita Owners Club website. Brian​.

[MurrayC]

James
Good to hear of another BC'r joining the site. I am living in Qualicum Beach.
Just bought a 1976 Ventura.
Doing a total rebuild. Hope you find what you're looking for.
When looking I discovered that aluminum sided trailers seem to have a lot of leeks. Saw horror stories of fixing up.
I felt that with a FG trailer it is a sealed unit.
Yes mine had lots of water damage from owners puting holes in it and not being patched later.When I get all the holes taken care of(sanding,fiberglass, gel coat)I will have a sealed unit once again.

[rbryan]

Originally Posted by Kai in Seattle

Go on this site up to Search, click, go to the bottom blank and type in, Trailer Weights in the Real World and you will see a chart that gives a good sampling of these little eggs weighed in actual camping conditions.

No need to search. I linked it in post #3 above.

[Mike_L]

Welcome to the site!
Fiberglass is far superior to metal sided trailers for many reasons.
If you plan on driving your Honda into the ground, towing a trailer beyond its capacity is a quick way to do it. You may also want to consider your personal safety as well!
Buy the trailer that suits your needs and expectations. Otherwise you won't be happy with it. Selling the unit that doesn't make you happy and then buying the one you should have bought in the first place is a waste of time and money as well as frustrating.
Then buy a tug that more than meets your needs by at least 50%. That gives you some breathing room and in time the "extra" things you take camping will consume the extra capacity.
It's also less expensive to go this way. Fuel mileage will be better with a tug that isn't "maxed" out all the time compared to one that constantly labors. Maintenance will also be less because there will be fewer repairs.
"Add-ons", like tranny coolers are good but aren't cost effective if the tug's capacity is exceeded.
Then there are the safety issues like trailer sway, the effects of cross winds, braking etc.
Camping should be a pleasurable experience. If it's a "white-knuckle" trip, you defeat the purpose of going!

[Chris from Comox]

And one other fact to consider.. Should the GVWR of your trailer exceed the weight that your tug(tow vehicle) is certified to tow your insurance will be void, even if you install transmission cooler on the tug and brakes on the trailer.. My suggestion is to determine which trailer you would like to have, buy the tug then the trailers..
Wishing you luck and success in the process - like some folks say, the journey can be as exciting as the destination..

[stude]

Originally Posted by k0wtz

I maintain those manufactures underrate their cars or trucks to protect themselves on warrantees!

I don't think going over by a few hundred pounds is going to hurt the tug! I think watching your fluids closely is most important in towing. Watch the smell of your transmission fluid for burn smell and do not get stuck this is the hardest thing on a transmission there is. Get it hot once and get ready for the repair shop.

Been there done that several times and everytime on tear down the transmission filter would be clogged rendering the movement of transmission fluid down to nothing.

bob

:Bob it's the Tranny that can't handle the weight, once your transmission quits so do you and to rebuild them costs anywhere from $2-$3000.00 so is it worth it and if you read what Mary and Bob are packing it is a wonder they haven't destroyed the CRV already plus their trailer does not come with brakes.
Stude

[mary and bob]

if you read what Mary and Bob are packing it is a wonder they haven't destroyed the CRV already plus their trailer does not come with brakes.
Stude[/QUOTE]

All our driving is on the East coast where it's mostly flat terrain. The car gets oil changes about every 2500 miles. One brake job in its 170,000 mile life so far. The car and trailer loaded correctly, nothing real heavy, and the trailer tows really good. We expect many more miles out of it, it's been a really good car with the worst problem being the starter failed and had to be replaced. Waiting for Norm to comment about how he towed a Scamp 16 around the country a few times with his CRV with no problems.

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by Salchicha

After reading lots of posts we're getting ready to buy. A big question for us though is can our car handle towing ? It's a very trusty 2003 Honda CRV. Super high mileage and we've had it for ten years. ( So not going to get much if we have to sell it) The plan before the camper dream was to drive it into the ground.

James,

Welcome to the forum. We had a Passat AWD wagon that I looked forward to driving until the wheels fell off. Then, "trailers happened". We have since bought two successively more capable tow vehicles, and two fiberglass trailers.

It's all going to depend on what you want. The CRV sounds compatible with a teardrop, which is how we got started just a few years ago.

We really took to trailers and gradually moved up to our third, now on order. Some people don't take to it like they think they will. Others do.

I think folks have provided you some very good options to consider here. You might start with something your vehicle will handle and go from there with the risk that you will end up wanting a larger trailer. Or, you could go all-in with a larger tow vehicle with a risk that having a trailer won't be as fun as envisioned. So, there's a lot to figure here.

[k0wtz]

mary and bob I have towed a 20f fiberglass I/o hooked a 32f 5th wheel to a 1976 dodge 318 p/u all over the Ozarks some pretty good hills. I wont do that any more but that truck never gave me a moments problems.


I also tugged the same rig hooked to a Pontiac boating. I am now pulling a 13f scamper with a ford edge 2.0. I don't drive over 60 55 most of the time. I watch my transmission on hills paddle shift to 5th going up.


I also watch oil changes and transmission fluid changes very carefully. I have no trailer brakes and don't need them. I once drove a 90 cadilac 450k miles using the same guidelines for the car. I do my own oil changes and transmission fluid changes I don't trust the quick change places and I don't believe in transmission fluid flushes I change the transmission filter when I change the fluid!


now the ford edge is a different animal for transmission checks for some reason ford with their better idea fixed it so you have to jack the car up leval to check transmission fluid really makes me mad as then I have to take it to my mechanic who I trust and he lets me hang around there.


different strokes for different folks I guess


bob

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by mary and bob

All our driving is on the East coast where it's mostly flat terrain. The car gets oil changes about every 2500 miles. One brake job in its 170,000 mile life so far. The car and trailer loaded correctly, nothing real heavy, and the trailer tows really good. We expect many more miles out of it, it's been a really good car with the worst problem being the starter failed and had to be replaced. Waiting for Norm to comment about how he towed a Scamp 16 around the country a few times with his CRV with no problems.

Bob,

If memory serves, you are retired mechanic; correct? And Norm and Ginny have a few miles of experience, right?

I say that if someone is making well-informed decisions as to how they tow, what they tow with, and is making the appropriate adjustments in their driving style and their vehicle maintenance, then go for it.

I can't say I'd always offer the same encouragement to others who appear to approach this sort of thing from the perspective of less knowledge and/or more wishful thinking. But, it sounds to me like you've got it under control there.

And, hey, my approval and $5.00 will get you a latte, so enjoy!

[stude]

Originally Posted by stude

if you read what Mary and Bob are packing it is a wonder they haven't destroyed the CRV already plus their trailer does not come with brakes.
Stude

All our driving is on the East coast where it's mostly flat terrain. The car gets oil changes about every 2500 miles. One brake job in its 170,000 mile life so far. The car and trailer loaded correctly, nothing real heavy, and the trailer tows really good. We expect many more miles out of it, it's been a really good car with the worst problem being the starter failed and had to be replaced. Waiting for Norm to comment about how he towed a Scamp 16 around the country a few times with his CRV with no problems.[/QUOTE]:Mary/Bob usually in your glove box you get a manual all about your vehicle and in there it will tell you exactly what you can tow. It is not a matter if the Trailer has brakes or not, it is what that state your towing through or into says what size or weight your towing has to have brakes and if you get pulled aside and they are not up to that states standards then it is Ticket time.
Geez up here in BC there are a lot of upset Drivers because they are now going after them by pulling them over and checking for proper snow tires starting Oct. 1 every year and it is about time. To many people figure all season is the way to go but we got a lot of snow last year and there were cars left all over the place and a lot of them got towed and fined, not cheap then on top of that you now have to buy tires with the MS and snow flakes on them.
Stude