Janey,
I think you will get lots of different opinions expressed about this subject. I will share my personal observations since we also have a 2350, a year older model.
First of all, we are towing a Jeep Trailblazer and it weighs about 4100 pounds. So, that is two tons (or more with the junk we always seem to carry) wagging back there like a big tail on a medium sized dog. Your CRV probably weighs around 3300 pounds per specs, so it is about 800 pounds or so lighter and that is a lot and will work to your advantage.
I think the speed is totally dependent upon many factors just like regular driving speed should be dependent. Weather, road conditions, traffic, terrain, etc.
On interstate highways with a 70-75 mph speed limit, I drive about 65 when towing but I may bump it up to 70 on long stretches of open road with light traffic. On good two lane roads I drive about 60 mph. I very seldom tow using a cruise control. I prefer to have the "feel" of vehicle in my foot at all times. The exception is great weather, great road and very little traffic. Then, I will occasionally use the cruise control for short distances just to stretch my right leg and move it around a bit.
As to the tow mode, I simply don't use it that much although many people prefer to just use it as you describe. I simply, again, like to "feel" the transmission and engine and I shift manually if need be to a lower gear. Now, at times I use it and then it is mostly when descending long and declines in the roadway. For example, coming down a mountain pass for miles at a time. The braking action works very well. However, I personally find the Big Surprise of it suddenly shifting down and the tach showing significant increase in RPMs just a touch unnerving. So, being old and set in my ways I guess, I like to control those functions myself and not rely on some preset standard established by some engineer guru that has probably never driven a RV pulling a toad and has never in all highly likelihood ever been on the particular road I am driving under those conditions.
Here is an exception: I find the Ford to be a bit cold natured when first started and I find the tow mode useful to compensate for that for the first few miles from a cold start.
Before many disagree with me, please reread my first paragraph
. Each of us will have definite opinions and experiences and each driving pattern/habit will be best for them. I just share my experiences. We drive mostly in the Plains and in the Rocky Mountain West, so I encounter a lot of very different circumstances and conditions.
Most importantly, find what is the most comfortable driving technique for you and your rig and only observation and experience can tell you.
Paul
