What Parts are Needed to Flat Tow 2003 VW New Beetle 5-Speed  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

From all the information I could find you can flat tow your 2003 VW New Beetle TDI with a 5-speed manual transmission, although I was unable to locate an online copy of your owner's manual to verify this. You can do so easily with your hard copy as there should be a "Towing" section that talks about recreational towing or flat towing.

There are a number of parts you will need in order to flat tow your '03 VW Beetle:

- Base Plate Kit: Demco Classic Base Plate Kit # DM9518071
- Tow Bar: Demco Excali-Bar II Non-Binding Tow Bar # DM9511009
- Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267
- Supplemental Braking System: SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251 OR if your motorhome has air brakes: SMI Air Force One Supplemental Braking System for Motor Homes with Air Brakes # SM99243

Base plates are vehicle-specific and the Demco Classic are a fit for your '03 Beetle and give your car a clean look The Demco Excali-Bar II tow bar is a great option because it has long arms which make it easier to maneuver when towing, along with integrated safety cables and an adjustable, tilting head so a high-low adapter won't be needed. Having these features on a tow bar means you won't have to purchase them separately, saving you additional expenses.

The Flexo-Coil wiring kit is designed to prevent any type of electrical feedback to keep your Beetle's electrical system safe, and the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO as well as the SMI Air Force One supplemental braking systems are strongly recommended because they not only give you effective braking, but are a one-time install which will never require any type of removal or reactivation.

Additionally, I have added links to instruction manuals, video reviews and installations for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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