Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2010 Honda CR-V Behind an RV Using a Stowmaster 5000 Tow Bar  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Yes the Roadmaster base plates # RM-521559-4 for the 2010 Honda CR-V are compatible with the Stowmaster tow bar you have.

A few other things you might need (if you don't have them already from the previous vehicle) include safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. For safety cables I recommend # RM-643 because the coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.

For lighting you have some options. You can use a magnetic kit such as # RM-2120. Or for a more permanent solution you can use the bulb and socket kit # RM-155. In either case these lighting solutions bypass the vehicle wiring so you won't have to splice into the tail light wiring on your CR-V. I have linked a video showing how the bulb and socket kit installs.

It also appears that a fuse will have to be pulled if towing the CR-V for extended periods of time. To avoid having to physically remove and reinstall the fuse all the time you could instead install fuse bypass # RM76511 which will remove power from or return power to the fuse as easy as flipping switch. I have linked a video showing how it installs as well.

You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply 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.

Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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