Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2013 Honda CR-V Behind an RV with a Roadmaster Tow Bar  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Flat towing vehicle requires base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. Since you already have a Roadmaster tow bar we can look at compatible base plates for your 2013 Honda CR-V. You can use base plates # RM-521567-4. They are compatible with all Roadmaster tow bars. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

If you don't already have safety cables I recommend # RM-643. The coiled design of these cables helps keep them off of the ground.

For lighting you have some options. You could use a simple magnetic kit such as # RM-2120 or for a more permanent solution use bulb and socket kit # RM-155. In both cases they will bypass the vehicle wiring so you won't have to cut and splice into the tail light wiring.

It also looks like fuses will need to be pulled to flat tow your CR-V. Consult the owner's manual to confirm. If your owner's manual says to only pull the #19 ACC radio fuse, use part # RM76511; if it states to pull the #19 ACC radio fuse and the #20 ACC key lock fuse, use part # RM76512. These are not required but it makes removing power to the fuses a lot easier than pulling them.

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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