What Items Are Needed to Flat Tow 2012 Mazda 5 Behind Class A Motorhome

Updated 11/02/2016 | Published 11/01/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Alpha Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,500 lbs

(491)

$1079.00

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(544)

$1450.55

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(5089)

$592.90

Universal Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(208)

$60.46

Question:

what parts do I need to tow the car behind our motorhome?

asked by: Jerry

Expert Reply:

Flat towing a car behind a motorhome requires a number of components. Each of these is explained in the linked overview article on flat towing. Some cars will require specific preparation steps before they can be flat towed and the car owner's manual will indicate if this is the case. You'll want to check the index in your Mazda 5 owner's manual under the heading 'recreational towing' to see if any steps are required before the car can be flat towed. I also included two other articles to help you with your selection of a hitch adapter and a braking system.

The basic items in a flat towing setup include a tow bar, safety cables, a wiring/lighting kit, base plates and a supplemental braking system for the towed car, as well as a high/low hitch adapter to allow the tow bar to remain within 3-inches of dead level.

Starting with base plates, you can use the Blue Ox twist-lock base plate kit # BX2525 along with their Alpha tow bar that you referenced, part # BX7380. This tow bar includes safety cables so you don't have to buy them separately. The easiest type of lighting option is a magnetic light kit like # TL21RK which takes only seconds to install or remove and that requires no cutting into the car's wiring.

For a braking system the best option I can offer is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. This braking unit is fully portable and boasts wireless operation. This makes it among the easiest-to-use options around.