What Parts And Accessories Do I Need To Flat-Tow 1990 Mazda Miata MX-5 Behind 2001 Winnebago Brave

Published 12/03/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2140)

$575.00

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors

(3257)

$94.61

Roadmaster Universal Magnetic Tow Lights with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(44)

$83.20

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(407)

$850.00

RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

(661)

$69.89

Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(56)

$1930.00

Question:

Would like to tow a 1990 Miata MX-5 behind a 2001 Winnebago brave. What do I need to buy, including misc. accessories.

asked by: Derold

Expert Reply:

To flat-tow your 1990 Mazda Miata MX-5 behind your 2001 Winnebago Brave, you will need base plates, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle wiring or lights, and a supplemental braking system.

For a base plate kit, you will need Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit, part # 711-4. The XL Base Plate Kit features removable draw bars, so when you are not towing your Miata, the base plate brackets are less visible.

For a tow bar, I would recommend the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520. The Falcon 2 Tow Bar is a non-binding tow bar which makes for easier hooking up and disconnecting.

For safety cables, I would recommend Roadmaster 68 Inch Single Hook Coiled Safety Cables, part # RM-643, which will keep your Miata attached to your Winnebago in case your tow bar were to disconnect from the hitch ball.

For lighting, you can wire your 1990 Mazda Miata with the Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit, part # RM-154, which will activate the running lights, brake lights, and turn signals of your Miata when it is being towed by your Winnebago. The other option would be to use Magnetic Towing Light Kit, part # RM-2120, which attaches to your vehicle using magnets. If you are going to be towing your Miata often, I would recommend part # RM-154 as it would just plug in your vehicle each time you tow.

It is recommended to use a supplemental brake system when flat-towing a vehicle to activate the brakes on the vehicle that is being towed. Most states require that you use a supplemental brake system when flat-towing a vehicle. For this, I would recommend Roadmaster 9400 Portable Braking System, part # RM-9400, which will help reduce wear on both vehicles braking systems and help you slow down.

Before towing your Miata, you will want to consult your Mazda dealership for specific steps needed to take when flat-towing. Some vehicles must be equipped with a transmission lube pump, axle disconnect, or free-wheeling hubs before they can be towed.

I have linked instructions and a video review of the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520. Also linked is a video installation of a base plate kit to show what is involved in installation of a base plate kit. There is also a video installation of Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit, part # RM-154, on a different vehicle, but wiring installation is the same.