new HondaCRV and ATC on caravans
Having bought a new CRV, I thought I did the right thing and got a dealer fitted Bosal removable tow bar and 13 pin electrics. Using an adapter I have no problems with the electrics to my 12 year old caravan. However I am considering upgrading to a newer caravan which has Active Trailer Control (ATC) and the need for 20A at pin9.
My local Honda dealer couldn't help over my concerns of only 15A to pin 9 on the Bosal electrics, 'contact Honda' was their answer. I did, and Honda initially replied simply confirming the provision of only 15A.
I got the number for customer services at Honda UK and rang them with my problem hoping to explain that if a caravan came with ATC, it would be plugged in and blow a fuse as soon as it kicked in.
Richard of technical services at HondaUK answered that since "the CRV has it's own Trailer Assist system they do not need to support the use of ATC on caravans and consequently don't need to offer any alternative to the wiring provided".
It was suggested that I could go and get a direct connection between the battery and pin9 fitted with a 20A fuse done privately if I really wanted to use a caravan with ATC.
OK that can be done but I'm struggling with the idea that an organisation like Honda who are pushing the CRV as a tow car, cannot sort out the electrics properly for use with modern caravans.
Is there anyone else out there with this problem?
It seems Witter do provide a 20A feed to pin9, but it's not as simple as changing a fuse.
When I picked up this car from the dealer it should have been be ready to tow any suitably sized modern caravan and that includes the increasing number that come with ATC. I shouldn't have to be looking for an autoelectrician to sort out a problem known to Honda.
Indeed, should the club be allowing the CRV to be advertised in the magazine? At present the ones with dealer fitted Bosal towing electrics aren't fit for purpose.