DIY Lift Kit and Off-Road Tires on Honda CRV Tow Car

Installing All-Terrain Tires, DIY Lift Kit, and LED light bar on our 2004 Honda CRV. Transforming our family car into an off-road RV-towable buggy for the back country.
00:00 Why Off-Road with our 2004 Honda CRV All Wheel Drive
01:24 Install TOYO Open Country A/T III 225/75R15 Tires on 04 Honda CRV
02:59 DIY Install of HRG 1.5" Lift Kit on 04 Honda CRV
10:44 LED Light Bar Installation on Luggage Rack
12:47 Before and After Lifted
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PARTS/TOOLS MENTIONED IN VIDEO (includes Amazon affiliate links)
HRG Lift Kit for Honda CRV - www.hrgenginee...
32" LED Light Bar - amzn.to/3gtwy2x
Bar Clamp Mount for LED Lightbar - amzn.to/3ve3LVi
Roof/Luggage Rack - amzn.to/3wmU748
Waterproof 12V Connectors - amzn.to/3pIoT4E
Cordless Electric Ratchet - amzn.to/3zifllv
Adustable Pro Heat Gun - amzn.to/3pJWb3u
Jackery Explorer 1500 Portable Power Station - amzn.to/3wmU748
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DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. We are NOT liable for any damage to your RV or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not RV professionals or certified technicians. We are simply RV owners who work on our own RVs and have a desire to share what we learn with others. Be responsible and know your limits.
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[@BillAndersonNS]

Anyone who gets THAT excited about doing mods on their 17 year old vehicle, well, you got to admire that. Nice job.

[@RVwithTito]

Hey thanks! I'm more of a 'keep it til it dies' kind of guy :)

[@DANIEL-ls5ku]

My Hr-V just reached it's 21 years and I'm now ready to lift it with ATV tyres.

[@robertragland6084]

I am looking to donthe same to our 2005

[@jimsjacob]

I can so relate to the last comment about “looking back” at the result of your work. You know the project went as planned when you get that satisfied feeling afterwards... 👍🏻

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks for sharing that. Yeah. I'd say I'm pretty satisfied :)

[@detroitpimpaho]

I've had the CR-V since 2005.. for the 17,000 that it cost, it has been running like a champ for almost 17 years and 170,000 miles. Honda gets my respect

[@jameswilson9019]

I had a 2002 CRV and it looked just like yours. It was the best car I ever owned in 40 years of driving. Incredibly reliable.

[@RVwithTito]

Love the CRV. We even took it off reading and it handled even the tough spots pretty well.

[@jrobertech]

I just got an 01 with 195k on the odo. I love it so much.

[@Paul_Klimb]

Thanks so much for posting this. I want to get a CRV and lift it, but I was never sure by how much, but the 1.5 inch lift looks perfect!

[@RVwithTito]

You bet. Yeah. The upgrades have been great!

[@jim78]

shocks and struts are recommended to be replaced after 50,000 miles, they may look fine but you will see huge difference with new set. looks good

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks for the info. It's something I'll definitely consider in the near future. Given that this was my first time doing this, I chose not to add too many variables to this project.

[@livinginwilderness7913]

What brand of struts and shocks do you recommend?

[@interdyrkmensional]

Kyb all the way

[@mr.cslawncare1347]

I finally found just the information i need! I have an 05 CRV Ex and we are original owners. Bought it for my wife to go to nursing school, she drove for several years, my daughter drove it to college for 5 years, she got married and now its my project car. I'm not the most mechanically inclined but i'm excited to give it a go. Great quality video. Any suggestions are welcome. Thank you so much for the content Randy

[@dd-ow6pe]

you are so, so smart living!..best practical channel

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@TictacAddict1]

I agree!

[@RoxyLynne]

Looked great. I did the same thing to my 5 speed 2003. I swapped on 2003 16” pilot wheels and mud terrains tires, 100k miles ago. I can go anywhere. Can’t crawl like a jeep but still fun. Now have 320k miles on it now and have only put joints and a clutch in it at about 300. Unbelievable reliability.

[@RVwithTito]

That's great to hear. I love the car and hope it continues to last that long 👍

[@a.j.garcia2188]

Looking at purchasing an 03 CR-V, and looking forward to doing some similar mods so that that my kids and I get to go play in the woods, go fishing and camping! Such an underrated vehicle. Looking froward to my second gen CR-V!

[@rosiemikesundance1954]

Just happened to here in the Northwest for the summer and ran into Brian at a Walmart. Was nice to chat for a few minutes. Good job on the lift. I’m just finishing the wiring on our new tow vehicle. Picked up a sweet 2013 Mini Cooper with a manual transmission. Safe travels in Colorado.

[@RVwithTito]

Hey guys! Nice bumping into you the other day. Enjoy the PNW summer and your Mini Cooper.

[@gemfam242]

My exact year, model, color CR-V. Definitely can relate to your enthusiasm for your CR-V. Don't have the off road features as you show, but I've installed a hitch for occasional light trailer towing.

[@RVwithTito]

Love this car. I told my wife I'm never selling it :)

[@Ratcatch]

What a job ! My next work in my CRV 02. Well done ! Just got a guide. Thanks.

[@Yukonjackman1]

Good job, I love our light bar lol

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks! I'm digging it too.

[@joshuadugan1931]

Spotted a 2003 with a manual for a decent price. This video makes me wanna buy it and do the exact things you did. Good job man! 😎

[@RVwithTito]

It's a great car. Don't plan on ever getting rid of ours :)

[@glenschumannGlensWorkshop]

Thanks. This is a project I would pay some one to do. Nice work. Keep the Honda going.

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks, will do! I probably saved a couple thousand doing it myself.

[@granddaddyHerps]

If you plan on putting a crv in dirt. It's a must to have this setup. Makes it very versatile. We'll done

[@RVwithTito]

Agreed. It's been pretty dirty since 🏜

[@angiemorales1025]

Sir, thank you for the video. You have a big heart, I can tell that from you good vibes.

[@MarcinOfTheNuclearVillage]

I'm about to buy a 2004 CR-V from a friend of mine. It has some battle scars here and there so I started thinking about a)nice restoration or b)simple repairs and mods... After watching your video it's modifying and repairing all the way. Thanks for the ideas!

[@RVwithTito]

Oh yeah. If it's structurally and mechanically sound then it has potential. We love ours after the mods. Good luck!

[@arthurcutting9227]

My curiosity got me here and I watch the complete video. I modified and towed a 2007 Kia Sportage for 12 years. It required the usual towing equipment plus a transmission lube pump. Last year we replaced the Kia with a new Chevy Colorado and I set it up myself. One thing I noticed right away was how much better the Chevy tracked behind the motorhome on roads with truck grooves worn in. I guess the wider track made this improvement. You might try wheel spacers on your CRV if it has the same issue.

[@yelworb]

You always surprise me with what task you'll take on, that's why I love your channel. Now you're ready for Canyonlands Shafer trail...

[@RVwithTito]

Funny you mention it. Our friends took their Jeeps down there, but we said naah and opted out for a long hike instead.

[@frequentthinker2385]

We have a 2006 CRV with 200,000 miles on it. Totally stock. Was considering retiring it for something new but this video might make me reconsider.

[@RVwithTito]

Hmmm. Something to think about :)

[@magonofficial]

Best mod I’ve seen so far, thanks for sharing. i now want the same on my 2006 black cr-v!

[@RVwithTito]

Do it! It was so worth it.

[@squid_fish]

Love these 2nd gen CRV :: classics never die

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Nice stance! I found a local shop that will do suspension work at very reasonable prices so my next projects will be going there. I'm getting to old to do stuff like that and I'm sure my neighbors don't appreciate my colorful work language!

[@RVwithTito]

I"m sure your neighbors have come to expect it :)

[@mikejames9931]

Thinking about buying a Honda CRV 2005 to 2006.I really liked the looks of it even with just the taller Tires it looked great!Thanks for showing it to us I really liked it a lot.

[@jay-c6128]

I love the new look on your CR-V, Thanks for sharing.

[@RVwithTito]

You bet. We love the new CRV. It's been a great transformation. Someone the other day didn't realize it was a CRV and called it our Jeep. Yessss! :)

[@tkilg7169]

I know exactly what you meant about "not going smoothly". I am usually always taking a ride on the "struggle bus" when I do projects like that.

[@RVwithTito]

Yup. Been there. I try my best to do my research before getting myself in a pickle and not having the right tools to get out. In this case, it's merely fighting with mechanical components needing some manipulation to fit back in place. I supposed that's normal stuff even for the pros.

[@erichayes4297]

The CRV looks amazing! Great job.

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks Eric!

[@SteveAlbano]

Nice project. We had an 04 CRV with 240,000 miles. The AC went out for the 3rd time, and because we fulltime and get in remote spots with zero cell coverage we decided to finally replace it. Got a 2014 CRV. (Last year for flat towing), so far its great. More power, quieter, better MPG.

[@RVwithTito]

Lots of folks want these older CRVs. I was surprised how many I saw in Moab recently.

[@foellerd]

Old CRV’s in Moab?! I’m shocked but I like it. I take my CRV lightly off-roading all the time. When I think Moab I think of the really hard stuff.

[@venmarontal3811]

Love CRv’s and especially those lifter kit, have an idea and I want it on my 2011 CRV thanks for sharing your videos

[@RVwithTito]

Good luck 👍

[@RussellHoughton]

It looks great. I keep a 3/4" snap recovery rope in mine for when I get stuck.

[@RVwithTito]

Nice. I have a heavy duty tow strap. I've already used it once :)

[@jacobteeples220]

I just bought a 2004 CRV and I am trying to decide what upgrade path I want to do in my build. I really like the tires that you put on there and I think that I might look for some that are similar or get the same ones. Solid, good quality video!

[@MRSTINSUL]

Bought a 2006 cvr 1year ago, it's never let me down, it's the 2.2 diesel sport model full heated leather etc, I purchased for 800 uk pounds, but have spent so far 1400 in improvements and mods, front bullbar tinted windows 18" wheels with 235 55 tyres side nudge bars, roof rack with 34" light bar attached, and more, I'm just about to lift it 1½" to the rear to take up the sagging, mate 1year on and there's still so much I want to do, So I'm wishing you good luck with your build 👍🏻

[@MuntiionCars]

2:53 this is so me when I do my DIY work.. Hot tea is must!!! haha

[@larryv4249]

"looking back.....must be love". I am sure this can be made into a country song!! Looking forward to your next vlog from your recording studio. P.S. get yourself some Cerakote black trim coating for your new overlander CRV, the results are amazing. Thanks for making these fun videos!!!!!!!!

[@RVwithTito]

Absolutely could be a song. Make it sound like it's about a girl...but it's really about the car/truck :) Just ordered some Cerakote. Thanks for the tip!

[@WaRn00b85]

So rad! I've got a 2006 CRV which I'd love to lift and get a nice rack and light bar fitted to like this! Only problem is I'm in South Africa, so to get the parts is a bit of a challenge as these cars aren't all that common here.

[@garyag45]

It nice when a job just FEELS GOOD. 😎🦌

[@RVwithTito]

Agree!

[@therealsolo23]

I love it. I was looking for a 03 crv to have the same project but ended up with a 03 forester but basically the same build. So yes I definitely know the feeling

[@hinene]

Nice Video, Same here, just lifted my 05 CR-V and loving it. same tires, but mine are 16 inches rims stock and I choose 215 70 otherwise I might need to install wheel spacers and I read it could put a lot of stress on the lug nuts or wheel bearings. I also had to replace the rear shocks cause they were bouncing a lot. I liked your light bar, I might order one too. Looking good, I guess it won't make it to places with big boulders but I don't need a rock crawler for now, but it takes me to nice areas to ride. stay safe.

[@RVwithTito]

Nice. I won't be doing any rock-crawling either, but it will make a difference on those holes, bumps and rutted backroads. I was wondering what year they went to 16" rims. Thanks!

[@hinene]

@@RVwithTito 2005 and 2006 are stock 16 inches wheels. Btw, I subscribed.

[@thomasdorsch9711]

Feeling your crv love. Reliable peace of mind.

[@waynecasper5346]

You go girl that’s pretty darn cool 😎 thanks for the video ❤

[@themindunset]

I want to do this exact kit on my CRV. Thanks so much. Love it

[@RVwithTito]

Go for it! Our CRV is bad ass now. I love it.

[@Cyclone546]

Nice job! Love it!

[@steveacree7650]

Nice tint windows. Will look great.

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks 👍

[@RVHabit]

Very cool. You will love the feel of the lift when exploring.

[@GirdHerd]

I think those are great improvements.

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks!

[@nmcalmond]

Nice job, 2 inch wheel spacers also help give it a wider, more off-road look. I put some on mine and seems to help corner a little easier as well.

[@RVwithTito]

I thought about it. Maybe later.

[@nmcalmond]

@@kateinspace No but I would probably look for a local off-road or truck shop.

[@foellerd]

You definitely need a lift to do 2”spacers. I tried it stock suspension and the tires hit the rear fenders if you do that.

[@nmcalmond]

@@foellerd We must have a different year. I didn't need a lift.

[@JorgeGonzalez-nc7uk]

love the work and the love you put into doing the videos to help many !

[@nortonknows]

Brian, it looks great! I have been procrastinating doing a 2” front and rear leveling kit on my wrangler. The jeep shop wants $500 in labor and I have been hesitant to do it in the driveway. But, now that I watched you do the Honda, I’m going to do it myself. If Brian can do it so can I:)

[@RVwithTito]

Good luck! Make sure you have alternate transportation in case you need to run to the store for tools/parts?

[@timmybatan583]

Awesome mods on an awesome vehicle!

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks! Love the car now. Someone even mistook it for a Jeep :)

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Nice job, Brian!

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks Brian!

[@alexvallejo1553]

Awesome job!!! Makes me want to do the lift myself too

[@RVwithTito]

Go for it! It was totally worth it. This car is pretty bad ass now.

[@MarsGuevara16]

this man is so wholesome

[@miscellaneousHandle]

The CR-V is a pretty tough lil SUV. We actually did some easy trails our here in CO. Sure, it's no Wrangler, but it did better than we expected. those are some nice tires!

[@RVwithTito]

We've always loved the CR-V...now even more. I love those tires too. I have them on my Toyota truck too (slightly larger version)

[@adamrobinson9148]

Looks great, my final project next on my white 2003 CRv to lift it, I painted the wheels black on mine, tint, roof basket with flexible solar panel inside, awning and even a bed that folds all the way to back behind seat without removing rear seats 😁

[@RVwithTito]

Awesome. That car is so versatile. I love the lift and tires. It has been a game changer in recent months.

[@jeffcmo1957]

Well done.

[@goththicus]

You made it look so easy to install. 😂 Nice job.

[@RVwithTito]

It had it's challenges for my first time. Next time I'm sure it will go smoother.

[@coreymerritt7742]

Nice upgrade Brian surely it will be better for going to some off road trails 👍

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks! We don't go off-roading really, but I'm sure it will help handle some backroad situations we often find ourselves in.

[@audrylangford8244]

always great video's with Tito, we bought our electric bikes due to your video's and I have the same year crv so lift may be in the future.

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks! The tires and lift on the CRV have been a game changer. I'd totally do it again👍

[@clintstinytrailerconversio5560]

If we’re anything alike, you probably asked yourself, why didn’t I do this years ago. Nice work.

[@RVwithTito]

It's been on my todo list for years with an "awaiting approval" status ;)

[@EATSLEEPJD]

Just picked up an 05 :). Doing the same thing to it also !! Except going with the 2 inch lift and some steelies.

[@RVwithTito]

Nice! Good luck with your project.

[@EATSLEEPJD]

@@RVwithTito thank you sir. I’m doing it in parts. Just put up first video.

[@justyouraveragenico2387]

Really great build and excellent video!

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks! We love it. It's like a new car now.

[@roenjunjun]

I appreciate your work on the CRV. Please guide me with links on the tires, adjustable tie rods for the wheels alignment n LED lights and lift kits please. Am in Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬

[@daveorr2192]

cool ! I just put an HRG 2 inch on my 2004 honda element last month with bigger tires and i know what you are saying when you are parked and walking in to a store !

[@RVwithTito]

I just can't stop doing it :)

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

I have an 04 Element, how is the lift

[@mollyyoung1667]

Love the new look!

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks Molly. An improvement for sure!

[@tomastylecek2065]

looks great, i have 235 75 15 stock height, plenty for me

[@kolayotadventures6789]

Great work

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks!

[@Sweetpotaterz]

That came out great looks awesome!

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks man!

[@fiestaphil8209]

Amazing job!

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks! We love the result. The car has been from Alaska to Baja since.

[@dalemajesticwandarer]

Nice job looks great, always look forward to seeing your projects !

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks 👍

[@SteveK6470]

Great video! CRV looks great and not too over-the-top with lift and tires. I'm tempted to get small lift kit and more aggressive tires for my 2016 Hyundai Tuscon which I love. Great all around vehicle for my fishing, biking and skiing hobbies :)

[@perezm714]

Cool. I'm looking to do similar to my '05 Trailblazer.

[@RVwithTito]

Good luck. Hope it turns out great.

[@CLVannoy]

Great job keep up the good work

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks, will do!

[@peter555peter1]

Very informational thank you very much

[@RVwithTito]

You're welcome!

[@rsin1991]

Nice I did a 2" lift all around from hrg aswell

[@larryandjackieoz5275]

You do such great work and it looks great.

[@RVwithTito]

Thank you so much guys.

[@M1k3y0501]

Sweet! That was always my fav color of CRV. Those things perform amazing on sand too. I totally get the long look back. That’s probably a symptom of upgradeitus not likely to go away soon, lol! I have a couple of questions. 1.) Do you recall how much battery you ended up using on the Jackery after using the heat gun? 2.) How is your fuel economy fairing with the lift and larger tires?

[@RVwithTito]

The color matches our RV too. 1) The Jacker went from 100% down to 94% after that heat shrink session. 2) I'm assuming the fuel economy will go down slightly, but as far as I can tell so far it's about the same. It's really hard to test under various driving conditions.

[@Mrfree1]

Beautiful V😍 great job. I just purchased the 2” kit from hrg. Cant wait to install it

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks. How'd the install go?

[@Mrfree1]

@@RVwithTito havent installed yet :-( . Trying to figure out if i willneed subframe drop. Havent found any proper info on that. Any issues with the axle with your lift?

[@RVwithTito]

@@Mrfree1 No issues with the lift at all. Good luck.

[@caution_xray]

🤙🏽 good job .. hopefully you still own it. That’s a keeper!

[@RVwithTito]

Absolutely. Never getting rid of it. It's already been all over the desert, Alaska and Southern Baja. It's a badass ride.

[@kb6lcw99]

I have a 2000 CRV, thanks for the info.

[@RVwithTito]

No problem 👍

[@konrad9240]

Super👍🏽

[@RVwithTito]

👍

[@peterdisbury]

Impressive

[@tomorrowm9578]

It looks great!!

[@RVwithTito]

Thank you!!

[@oscarkabowski8413]

The 2nd gen CRV is sorely underestimated when it comes to its off-roading credentials.

[@RVwithTito]

I agree. Love that car.

[@mauric440]

It look awesome Tito! I´m thinking in doing the same to my 2003 CRV

[@ivanjaligutierrez7983]

Awesome nice truck

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks 👍

[@BlueJazzBoyNZ]

Think about painting the wheels gloss black and the bonnet matt black, with a bonnet guard and front nudge bar..

[@allens58]

Looks very good, I want to lift the rear on my crv

[@RVwithTito]

You should! Best thing I did.

[@enricomateo2296]

Awesome!😍

[@nealb3298]

That’s how you know you are driving the car you love. Park and look back as you walk away. I’m guilty of the same thing on my truck.

[@RVwithTito]

Glad it's not just me 😃

[@erikacosta5400]

I love it

[@seanharrison7968]

Looks real good! i'm going to copy you

[@fernandomartinezreyna1836]

Awesome video! Thank you for posting this. I want to do the same to mine

[@RVwithTito]

No regrets here. The CRV is bad-ass now :) and we've even done some off-roading with Jeep owning friends.

[@jaymo2024]

I would recommend you to upgrade the radio antenna with the short once

[@RVwithTito]

I'll look into that. Thanks.

[@shiammi907]

my toad wants that!❤️👍🏽

[@RVwithTito]

Is it talking to you? :)

[@stuartstuart866]

Really nice upgrade. We have a 2009 CRV with almost 180,000 miles. Very reliable vehicle except for the air conditioner.

[@RVwithTito]

Luckily we haven't had issues with our A/C. Still blows cold. We hope to keep this CRV for a long time.

[@SweatShopActual]

Damn that thing is pristine, must live in a place with zero salt huh? I have 160k kilometers on mine a day had to cut the rear struts out from seized components.

[@raymondacosta3812]

Awesome 👏

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks 🤗

[@johncaruana6406]

Great job but after watching I'd have to have someone do it for me. Admire your "can do anything" attitude.

[@RVwithTito]

I get that. I enjoy the learning process. Sometimes what you learn is to never do that again :) Not in this case though. I think I picked up some useful knowledge and experience with this project.

[@brannnnnnn]

I’d love a ballpark figure if what all of this ran you at the time, I understand inflation has changed things slightly. But still considering doing almost exactly this sans light bar.

[@RVwithTito]

There should be links to all the equipment in the description for you to price it out.

[@brannnnnnn]

@@RVwithTito thanks, what did labor look like?

[@RVwithTito]

@@brannnnnnn It was my first time doing this type of thing. So it took me longer to get it done than an experienced person. I did the front on a Saturday then the Rear on a Sunday. The biggest tip I got was to support the whole assembly with zip ties before disconnecting things. It will want to drop and could pull the shaft out of the drive axle linkage. If that happens, getting it back in could be a real challenge. Good luck!