Can a 2012 Honda Civic with Automatic Transmission be Flat Towed Behind a Motor Home
Question:
can a 2012 honda civic with automatic transmission be flat towed and if so what equipment will need to be installed to the vehicle? Also what other equipment is required to complete the tow package?
asked by: Eugene
Expert Reply:
While there are people that flat tow the 2012 Honda Civic automatic, I have found that Honda states that the vehicle should not be flat towed. You will want to consult the owners manual to verify the flat tow-ability of the vehicle. If the owners manual says not to then I do not recommend going against what Honda says.
If you find that the vehicle can be flat towed then there are 5 items you will need: base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. Blue Ox base plates # BX2256 are designed to work with all models of the 2012 Civic. The base plates you referenced, # BX2253, are for the Honda Fit and not the Civic.
For a compatible tow bar the most popular option is the Avail, # BX7420. This tow bar also comes with safety cables so you will not need to add any additional cables. I have included a link to a video showing a typical tow bar installation for you.
For lighting there are a few possible options. If you will not be towing the vehicle that often I recommend a magnetic light kit like # RM-2120. But if you will be towing it often then a more permanent solution, # 154-792-118158, would be the way to go.
Most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. one of the easiest systems to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot proportional system, # BLU37TR, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.
I have included some helpful links on flat towing and wiring for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster 6-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles with Separate Lighting
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Every-Trip Setup
- Built-In Battery
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Wireless Display
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount
- Telescoping - Non-Binding
- Steel
- 10000 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Stores on RV
- Cables Included
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster Universal Magnetic Tow Lights with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Extension Loop for Towed Vehicles - Dual 4-Way Flat Trailer Ends - 6' Long
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Plugs into Vehicle Wiring
- Adapters
- Extension Cord
- Universal
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Completely Hidden
- Blue Ox
more information >
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on Tow Bar Base Plate
