Making a 2007 V off road?

[lukasd2009]

I would like to make my 2007 ( 2wd ) crv more apt for off roading. I don't need anything specail. I just want to know what I can do to make it a little more at home on an occassional off roading trip. Lifting, tires, sway bars?

[irwinje]

I just want to know what I can do to make it a little more at home on an occassional off roading trip. Lifting, tires, sway bars?

Sounds like you're on the right track, though I may have gotten the AWD version if you were planning on doing even light off-roading.

[tsmithvt]

I would like to make my 2007 ( 2wd ) crv more apt for off roading. I don't need anything specail. I just want to know what I can do to make it a little more at home on an occassional off roading trip. Lifting, tires, sway bars?

Define off-roading. What exactly are your expectations?

[lukasd2009]

Hum, well the occasional mudding trip is pretty fun. I went yesterday in it. Had only one problem. The traction control and the VSA kept slowin me down, it was getttin on my nerves. Does anyone know how to turn them off?

[lizzurd]

Hum, well the occasional mudding trip is pretty fun. I went yesterday in it. Had only one problem. The traction control and the VSA kept slowin me down, it was getttin on my nerves. Does anyone know how to turn them off?

The switch to turn off the VSA is beside the power mirror switch on the dash.

[tsmithvt]

Hum, well the occasional mudding trip is pretty fun. I went yesterday in it. Had only one problem. The traction control and the VSA kept slowin me down, it was getttin on my nerves. Does anyone know how to turn them off?

The VSA button is on the dash, to the left side of the steering column. It is marked. When the system is turned off, the VAS light in the instrument cluster will light up to remind you.

With 2WD you probably need to keep your "mudding" to fairly shallow holes. If "mudding" is your thing, tires will make the biggest difference. Even with 2WD, your V still has the advantages of higher ground clearance and reasonable approach and departure angles but think of your V as a FWD car on steroids.

Look around the forum (search) and you will find several places where you can get advise on equipment to carry and recovery techniques. Most importantly, try to go "mudding" in a group. Another, well equipped vehicle is the best insurance against total exhaustion and a large towing bill.;)

[lukasd2009]

What are some good tires for my offroading in a 2wd on steroids V? haha

[tsmithvt]

What are some good tires for my offroading in a 2wd on steroids V? haha

My choice would be BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO. They do well both on and off road which is what most of us want. When I went to look them up, however, I discovered that for 17" wheels, they start at 245/75 R17 (31.6" OD). That's kinda big for a CR-V.:( For 06 Vs we have a bigger size selection because we run on 16" wheels. 215/70 R16 T/As (27.8" OD) are OK on a G2 V.

Maybe other 07 V owners will have some ideas for you.:)

[mtl_crv]

Wow, taking your new CRV to the mudhole takes some nerve. These vehicles are based on a car chassis so making the analogy to a car on steroids is pretty accurate (a CRV should not really be considered a truck for all intents and purposes). If you want to get into stuff like mudding then you'll need to increase ground clearance and get some more agressive tires that shed mud well since the stock ones will be nearly useless for this purpose. You really should have forked over the extra for AWD but I suppose you'll figure out the limits of your CRV the first time you get stuck in the middle of a mud pit. The CRV does perfectly fine on fire roads but rock crawling and mudding may push it beyond it's capabilities.

[sleeksilver]

Hum, well the occasional mudding trip is pretty fun. I went yesterday in it. Had only one problem. The traction control and the VSA kept slowin me down, it was getttin on my nerves. Does anyone know how to turn them off?

You need to read your manual. :rolleyes:


For now, get some good all terrain tires. I, too, recommend the BF Goodrich All Terrains. If you want to go one extra step you can have some custom springs wound to give an extra inch or two of ground clearance....

[dlarsoncrv]

Goodyear Assurance TripleTred works great on dirt, not sure about mud. You can always upgrade your shocks. I have some KYB GR-2 on now but KONI Sport shock will work just fine.
Hopes this helps.

[WVCR-V]

For the cost of what it would take to make your 2wd crv decent for going through the mud you would be better off getting an old jeep beater or Suzuki Sidekick 4wd. I have a 1994 Sidekick 4wd and it's good for offroading as it's really small and narrow and fits anywhere. You can pick one up for $1500 or even less if it's a real beater. A 2007 CR-V is too nice of a vehicle to go mudding in. I don't even like getting my 04 muddy.

[Black Pearl]

Having spent a little bit of time under my V, I would be afraid to take it off the road. It's a Civic with stiff suspension. I wouldn't take it mudding and I sure as hell don't want to bash a boulder with it and set off about $13 grand in airbags. The three most sensible things I have read in this thread was the above post, stick to the fire roads, and go in groups. Oh & buy some rear differential oil. If you go through any streams, you may get water in the breather on the rear differential.

[X-Brawn]

The switch to turn off the VSA is beside the power mirror switch on the dash.

Not enough the system will OVERRIDE it when the switch is pressed off, and will automatically turn back on. Trust me, I know this from the ROC forums and the Ridgeline uses the same basic AWD system. The best thing to do is to PULL the VSA fuse out (I believe it is under the hood, don't know which fuse box, though).

With the CR-V there is an option for a 2" spacer lift all-around, and I've thought of it but I choose the AWD version for better wet road traction (during our monsoon seasons here, which officially started today) and for some mild off-road adventures. The irony is I belong to an Arizona off-road group that likes to go places.

IF you want an off-road worthy CR-V go with a 1st Gen model as it is a bit more capable to go off-road and can be made a bit more so then the later models.

[tsmithvt]

Not enough the system will OVERRIDE it when the switch is pressed off, and will automatically turn back on. Trust me, I know this from the ROC forums and the Ridgeline uses the same basic AWD system. The best thing to do is to PULL the VSA fuse out (I believe it is under the hood, don't know which fuse box, though).

Be advised:

#1. The Ridgeline VTM-4 System is NOT the same as the RT4WD System found in a CR-V. The two systems have similarities in operational outcome but they are physically quite different. The biggest difference is that the VTM-4 System is computer controlled where as the RT4WD System is a self contained, all hydro-mechanical system.

Full Test: 2006 Honda Ridgeline (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=105241/pageId=63359)
San Leandro Honda Online Parts (http://www.slhondaparts.com/browse.asp?Model=Ridgeline&Year=2008&TrimLevel=4DR+RTX&TransLevel=5ATKA&Section=F&Category=B++2010%7CREAR+DIFFERENTIAL&Doors=4&Emissions=KA&PartCatalogId=14SJC5&ViewParts=true)
San Leandro Honda Online Parts (http://www.slhondaparts.com/browse.asp?Model=CR%2DV&Year=2008&TrimLevel=5DR+EX+4WD&TransLevel=5ATKA&Section=F&Category=B++2010%7CREAR+DIFFERENTIAL%2DMOUNT&Doors=5&Emissions=KA&PartCatalogId=14SWA7&ViewParts=true)

#2. The CR-V's VSA will NOT turn back on once it is turned off. You may be referring to the fact that it will be turned back on the next time the vehicle is started (VSA default is ON) but it will not come back on during a single operation of the vehicle unless manually turned back on by the operator.

#3. Do not "Pull the VSA fuse". It's like intentionally disabling ABS or air bags. VSA is a valuable safety system and can be of great assistance in an emergency maneuver. It can always be turned off in those situations where it could hinder the successful negotiation of an obstacle (usually foreseeable).

[X-Brawn]

Be advised:

#1. The Ridgeline VTM-4 System is NOT the same as the RT4WD System found in a CR-V. The two systems have similarities in operational outcome but they are physically quite different. The biggest difference is that the VTM-4 System is computer controlled where as the RT4WD System is a self contained, all hydro-mechanical system.

Full Test: 2006 Honda Ridgeline (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=105241/pageId=63359)
San Leandro Honda Online Parts (http://www.slhondaparts.com/browse.asp?Model=Ridgeline&Year=2008&TrimLevel=4DR+RTX&TransLevel=5ATKA&Section=F&Category=B++2010%7CREAR+DIFFERENTIAL&Doors=4&Emissions=KA&PartCatalogId=14SJC5&ViewParts=true)
San Leandro Honda Online Parts (http://www.slhondaparts.com/browse.asp?Model=CR%2DV&Year=2008&TrimLevel=5DR+EX+4WD&TransLevel=5ATKA&Section=F&Category=B++2010%7CREAR+DIFFERENTIAL%2DMOUNT&Doors=5&Emissions=KA&PartCatalogId=14SWA7&ViewParts=true)

#2. The CR-V's VSA will NOT turn back on once it is turned off. You may be referring to the fact that it will be turned back on the next time the vehicle is started (VSA default is ON) but it will not come back on during a single operation of the vehicle unless manually turned back on by the operator.

#3. Do not "Pull the VSA fuse". It's like intentionally disabling ABS or air bags. VSA is a valuable safety system and can be of great assistance in an emergency maneuver. It can always be turned off in those situations where it could hinder the successful negotiation of an obstacle (usually foreseeable).

Try this as a simple test. Find a loose dirt area and drive through as fast as you can with wheels spinning with VSA on. Then, turn OFF the VSA and try the same thing again. Watch the little VSA light kick back on automatically, because it is an integrated safety feature (as you pointed out). In the right situations it WILL override a manual shutoff and kick back on. On the RL forums many recommend pulling the fuse and airing down to better get through sand. You know what? The advice works in the Ridgeline. I've tried it, and YES, the core system behaves a lot like the system from the Ridgeline despite there being differences. Now, I wouldn't do it with the CR-V simply because it wasn't designed for the "off-roading" the Ridgeline was meant to take.

Now, both systems (because of core similarities, not - as you pointed out- being identical systems) behave in an similar fashion in default mode as to how power is distributed. Initially the AWD system is FWD unless power is needed or off-road in the right conditions. Then the system will either go to RWD or AWD. It is a seamless system that the user doesn't realize has kicked in. The Ridgeline has it's equivalent of an electronic locker mode with the additional integration of the VTM-4 system. It would've been nice had instead of just being a locker-type mode, that there was a manual off-road gear selection for low, medium and high gears.

If you want a FULL explanation as directly explained from Honda as to how the system works, check this article out:
Ridgeline Owners Club | Variable Torque Management VTM-4 Explanation (http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/Variable-Torque-Management-VTM-4-Explanation.html)

Yes, they are different systems, but not by that much.

[tsmithvt]

Try this as a simple test. Find a loose dirt area and drive through as fast as you can with wheels spinning with VSA on. Then, turn OFF the VSA and try the same thing again. Watch the little VSA light kick back on automatically, because it is an integrated safety feature (as you pointed out). In the right situations it WILL override a manual shutoff and kick back on. On the RL forums many recommend pulling the fuse and airing down to better get through sand. You know what? The advice works in the Ridgeline. I've tried it, and YES, the core system behaves a lot like the system from the Ridgeline despite there being differences. Now, I wouldn't do it with the CR-V simply because it wasn't designed for the "off-roading" the Ridgeline was meant to take.

Now, both systems (because of core similarities, not - as you pointed out- being identical systems) behave in an similar fashion in default mode as to how power is distributed. Initially the AWD system is FWD unless power is needed or off-road in the right conditions. Then the system will either go to RWD or AWD. It is a seamless system that the user doesn't realize has kicked in. The Ridgeline has it's equivalent of an electronic locker mode with the additional integration of the VTM-4 system. It would've been nice had instead of just being a locker-type mode, that there was a manual off-road gear selection for low, medium and high gears.
Yes, they are different systems, but not by that much.

I don't have to "find a loose dirt area" and conduct a test. I spend five months out of every year on snow and live on a dirt road near the top of a ridge. I climb several 32% grades through 130 degree switchbacks almost every day. When the snow is deep (plows haven't been through), I frequently punch the VSA off to avoid throttle intervention (TC feature). I have NEVER had the VSA come back on by itself. When the VSA is turned off, the VSA activation indicator does come on as a reminder that the system is off, but the system IS OFF. None of the CR-V write ups or owners manuals (Gen 2.5 or 3) mention an "automatic turn back on" feature.

As to the VTM-4 vs RT4WD system comparison: The two systems are similar in that they are FWD in good traction, cruise conditions and a significant part of both systems is housed in the rear ends (even that's a stretch). The VTM-4 System is, however, much more sophisticated, complex and it is entirely computer/sensor (ECU) controlled. The VTM-4 System is the immediate predecessor to the SH-AWD System found in Acuras. SH-AWD is yet another level of sophistication and complexity.

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system - Top Speed (http://www.topspeed.com/cars/automotive-glossary/-super-handling-all-wheel-drive-system-ar16052.html)

RT4WD uses hydraulics as both a sensory and control mechanism and uses no electronics or electrical systems of any kind. VTM-4 not only uses electronics for sensory and control functions, but the clutch packs themselves are electromagnetically activated (via ball cams). The VTM-4 rear end is, in fact, not a mechanical differential as it is in the RT4WD System. The VTM-4 System transfers torque to the rear wheels and differentiates between them via clutch packs. It's a clutch modulated "spool". The only pump in the VTM-4 rear is to circulate oil and cool/lubricate the system.

The VTM-4 System also offers a "lock mode" which is occasionally coveted by V owners. In short, the two systems are both on demand four wheel drive systems with front wheels being the default torque path. Beyond that, they are QUITE DIFFERENT.

P.S. Just figured out why you are saying "pull the VSA fuse" but it is only valid in combination with airing the tires down. With tires below the TPMS threshold pressure, the VSA will engage and can not be turned off. This raises the possibility of throttle intervention which can be as undesirable in sand as it is in deep snow. Fuse pulling is not required to keep the VSA off under normal conditions, however.

[beazie]

Im putting my V on steroids too. Im putting a 2" BDS lift springs on it and putting the all-terrains BFGoodyear tires. I have a 99' AWD V, and with some mods you can fit some 235/75/15 on there with minimum rubbin

[Joshr1]

The CR-V is fine for light mudding...I'd NEVER attempt rock crawling though.

I personally take my 01 mudding often and have never been stuck. Now granted I have an AWD system, but I still use the junk duelers. I've been close to being stuck a few times, but you really just have to know what the ground is like, how deep the pit is, which lines to follow.

I've been through pits that pushed water nearly half way up my bumper, but I didn't lose traction because I followed some shallower lines.

I'd recommend a second set of junk tires, steel junk rims, and spray paint the bottom of your V with High Gloss Black paint, it will keep the mud from sticking and is easier to clean. Also, a brush guard isn't a bad idea, I've had times where I've lost control and went through shrubbery.

Above all, walk around the place you will be driving, make sure there aren't any large stones,glass, nails, or branches stuck in the ground.

[RX729]

Any lift kits for the 2nd gen CR-V's...? I know they sell 2" lift springs for the 1st gen, but what about the 2nd gen...?