Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2017 Smart Fortwo Behind and RV with a Tracker Tow Bar

Updated 08/28/2017 | Published 08/26/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs

(81)

$335.00

Roadmaster 6-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles with Separate Lighting

(61)

$193.68

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1199)

$45.63

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2125)

$670.00

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3324)

$670.00

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

(654)

$71.00

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit

(622)

$42.57

Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only

(371)

$237.93

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(754)

$1175.00

Question:

Is there more than one type of bracket which can be used with a tracker tow bar for a smart car? Can you send me picture of ok the brackets and instructions on how to install them? I am ready to order the whole set-up once I review the brackets, thanks

asked by: David D

Expert Reply:

Roadmaster has EZ4 base plates # RM-52300-4 and EZ5 base plates # RM-52300-5 for the 2017 Smart Fortwo. But the Tracker tow bar, # RM-020, will only work with the EZ4 base plates # RM-52300-4. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you.

In addition to the tow bar and base plates you will also need safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow the Smart car. For cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.

For lighting a 6-diode kit is recommend, # 154-792-118158. I linked a video showing the process of installing this kit. It is on a different vehicle though so wire colors will likely be different. If the vehicle does NOT have adjustable pedals you will also need stop light switch kit # RM-751486 for the braking system to work properly.

It also appears that the battery has to be disconnected to flat tow this vehicle. Consult the owner's manual to confirm. To make this process automatic use battery disconnect kit # RM-766. And to add a charge line to the Smart car battery you can add # RM-156-25.

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.