Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2009 Smart fortwo Passion

Updated 01/16/2012 | Published 01/13/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(477)

$575.00

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

(81)

$335.00

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors

(3186)

$100.94

Replacement Roadmaster Tow Bar Quick Disconnect Kit

(47)

$80.67

Roadmaster Universal Magnetic Tow Lights with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(43)

$77.31

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

(656)

$70.97

Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(56)

$1930.00

Question:

I want to attach the Blue Ox base plate to my 2009 Smart Car Passion with fog lights. Would there be any cutting to be done and is it easy to install it myself? What would the total kit base plate, motorhome attached hitch, wiring kit, safety chains and whatever else is required for a complete installation cost me. Thanks

asked by: Gert S

Expert Reply:

The first thing you will want to do is consult the vehicle owners manual to determine the proper towing procedure of the vehicle. From the research I did, the car should be flat towable as is but you will still want to confirm by checking the owners manual.

The Blue Ox base plate kit that fits your 2009 Smart fortwo does require trimming of spoiler, air dam, grill or plastic fascia on some models. There's a fair amount of mechanical aptitude needed for installation and I recommend having base plates professionally installed.

Because of the available tow bars I recommend going with the Roadmaster kit, part # 52285-1, instead.

For a tow bar, since the Smart car is so small, you can use a lower capacity tow bar like the Tracker, # RM-020, and be sure to use quick release attachments, # RM-201, to allow the EZ base plate arms to be removable. I have included a link to the installation details for the tow bar.

You would then need safety cables. I recommend the coiled cables # RM-643 because the coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.

For wiring, you have a couple of options. If you do not plan on flat towing the car often, I recommend using a magnetic kit like # RM-2120. If you will be towing the vehicle frequently, then it would be a good idea to install a more permanent solution like a diode kit, # RM-154. I have included a link to a video that shows how diodes install.

Most states now require a supplemental braking system on the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Roadmaster Even Brake, # RM-9400. This is a proportional system that applies 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.

I have included a link to our series of FAQ articles on flat towing for you.