Which Base Plate Installs Easily on a 2013 Smart ForTwo, Blue Ox # BX1987 or Roadmaster # 52285-1

Updated 01/14/2013 | Published 01/12/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(477)

$575.00

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4611)

$540.90

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

(3183)

$100.94

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(401)

$850.00

Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(56)

$1930.00

Question:

Which one has the lest complicated installation?

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

Blue Ox rates the installation difficulty for their 2013 Smart ForTwo base plates, part # BX1987, such that an experienced professional installer will typically need 4 hours to complete the install. (First-time installers will usually take significantly longer to complete the process.) The installation of this product requires removal of the front bumper fascia, some trimming of the bumper and air dam and some drilling.

The Roadmaster # 52285-1, Base Plates for the 2013 Smart fortwo, according to the team at Roadmaster, is also a very challenging installation best left to professional installers. This base plate requires much of the vehicle front be removed and may also require trimming of the spoiler, air dam or grill on some models.

Flat-towing safely requires a number of components: tow bar, base plates, safety cables, tow bar wiring and often a supplementary braking system.

Your first step in preparing for towing your Smart fortwo is a check of your vehicle owners manual for any recommendations and restrictions related to flat-towing this vehicle. You might next familiarize yourself with the attached articles concerning flat-towing. The first is a general primer on the components required to flat-tow, the second concerns Roadmaster Base Plates, and the third concerns supplemental braking systems. It is advisable to check local laws to confirm that you will be in compliance with all statutes concerning flat-towing a vehicle behind an RV as there are some variations in regulations from state to state.

If you already own a tow bar you might want to factor that into your selection of base plates as sometimes when brands are mixed additional parts, such as adapters, are required. You may find your overall installation process can be simplified by using base plates from the same manufacturer as your tow bar.

If you do not already have a tow bar you might want to take this consideration into account when making your selection. Roadmaster offers the Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520, which works with all Roadmaster base plates. You might also consider RoadMaster 68 Inch Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables, part # RM-643.

You have two different options for wiring the lights on your Smart car for flat towing; one is a permanent hardwired kit, such as Roadmaster Tow Bar Wiring for the 2013 Smart fortwo, part # RM-154. This wiring kits allows the RV to activate the brake, tail and turn signal lights on your fortwo. This is a good option if you will be frequently towing the vehicle. I have included a video showing installation of this wiring kit.

Flat towing requires a supplementary braking system, such as the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Proportional Braking System, part # RM-9400. This portable unit applies braking to your towed vehicle in proportion to the braking applied in the motor home.