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Towing a trailer, Warning – HONDA 2015 Civic (HF) - Owner's Guide (Revised 12/12/2014) User Manual

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DRIVING

DRIVING

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INDEX

VISUAL INDEX

VOICE COMMAND

INDEX

SAFETY INFORMA

TION

CUSTOMER

INFORMA

TION

INSTRUMENT P

ANEL

SPECIFICA

TIONS

VEHICLE

CONTROLS

MAINTENANCE

AUDIO AND

CONNECTIVITY

HANDLING THE

UNEXPECTED

BLUETOOTH®

HANDSFREELINK®

DRIVING

NA
VIGA

TION

Towing a Trailer

Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper 

equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving 

(see page 87).

Civic HF, Coupe, and Natural Gas (CNG) models are not designed to tow a trailer.
Attempting to do so can void your warranties.

Total Trailer Weight

Maximum allowable weight of the trailer, cargo, and 

everything in or on it must not exceed 1,000 lbs (450 

kg). Towing loads in excess of this can seriously

affect vehicle handling and performance and can

damage the engine and drivetrain.

Tongue Load

The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded trailer

on the hitch should be approximately 10% of the 

total trailer weight.

•  excessive tongue load reduces front tire traction

and steering control. Too little tongue load can

make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.

•  To achieve a proper tongue load, start by loading 

60% of the load toward the front of the trailer and 

40% toward the rear. Readjust the load as needed.

Pre-tow Checklist

When preparing to tow, and before driving away, ensure the following:

•  The vehicle has been properly serviced, and the suspension and the cooling 

system are in good operating condition.

•  Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600 miles (1,000 km).
•  The trailer has been properly serviced and is in good condition.
•  All weights and loads are within limits. Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
•  Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale. If a public scale is not 

available, add the estimated weight of your cargo load to the weight of your 

trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer) and the tongue load.

•  The hitch, safety chains, and any other attachments are secure.
•  All items in or on the trailer are properly secured and cannot shift while you drive.

Tongue Load
Tongue Load

Total load

Tongue load

exceeding any load limit or improperly loading your vehicle and trailer can

cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and trailer carefully before starting to driv

e.

WARNING

The headlight aim on your vehicle was set by the factory, and does not need to be 

adjusted. However, if you regularly carry heavy items in the cargo area or pull a

trailer, have the aiming readjusted at your dealer or by a qualified technician.

Load limits example

Example 1

Max load

850 lbs

(385 kg)

Passenger weight

150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs

(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)

Cargo weight

550 lbs

(249 kg)

Example 2

Max load

850 lbs

(385 kg)

Passenger weight

150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs

(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)

Cargo weight

100 lbs

(45 kg)

Overloading or improper loading can affect handling and stability and cause a 

crash in which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other loading guidelines in this guide.

WARNING