Base Plates and Other Equipment Needed to Flat Tow 2013 Honda CR-V Behind RV  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Roadmaster # RM-521567-4 base plates you mentioned would be a fine choice.

When everything's installed, the towbar itself needs to be 3 inches +/- of level. The base plates will be at 18-1/2 inches off the ground when installed (assuming your CRV is running the stock tire size and is at stock ride height). Because the Stowmaster is a car-mounted towbar, you'll need to use a ball mount whose rise or drop places the trailer ball within 3 inches of 18-1/2 inches from the ground. So, simply measure the from the inside top of the receiver on the RV to the ground. The difference between that distance and 18-1/2 inches will be the rise/drop ball mount you need.

If you don't have them already, you'll also need safety cables like # RM-643, which will leave you needing wiring and a supplemental braking system.

For a wiring solution, I'd recommend the Roadmaster Diode Kit w/ Flexo Coil Umbilical, part # RM-15267. You'll want to check the owner's manual under the 'Recreatiional Towing' heading for the exact procedure for flat towing the vehicle. You will need to pull at least one fuse, maybe two in order to flat tow the vehicle. If the owner's manual mentions that you need to pull the # 19 ACC radio fuse, you can use the # RM76511 fuse bypass. If you need to pull both the # 19 ACC radio and # 20 ACC key lock fuse, use # RM76512.

You also need a supplemental braking system like the Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. It's one of the easiest systems to use after the initial installation.

I've linked you to install videos for the base plates, the fuse bypass and for a diode kit similar to the one I recommended.

expert reply by: Mike L

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