Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Behind an RV with a Falcon 2 Tow Bar  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The Roadmaster base plates # 521236-1 are indeed a fit for your 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The installation notes will still apply though: Trimming of spoiler, air dam, grille or plastic fascia may be required on some models of this vehicle.

Instructions for base plates or wiring can cover a generation of a given vehicle and there are often revisions as the manufacturers determine that an existing product fits a new model year vehicle even if the original creation date of the instructions stays the same.

Since you already have the tow bar # RM-520 and we know which base plates are compatible the other items needed are safety cables, # RM-643, unless you already have some, a lighting solution, and supplemental braking.

For lighting you can use a simple magnetic kit such as # RM-2120 or, for a more permanent solution, you can go with a diode kit, # RM-15267.

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.

If your vehicle's brake lights do not illuminate when the vehicle is off or if the ignition is in the "tow" position, then you will also need stop light switch kit # RM-751453 which activates your RV monitoring system to alert you when the brakes of your towed car are being applied.

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

0