Recommended Wiring Harness and Equipment for Flat Towing 1983 VW Vanagon

Updated 03/11/2021 | Published 03/07/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

(171)

$670.00

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(489)

$1406.81

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

(3413)

$85.88

Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - Car Mount - 6,000 lbs

(154)

$960.00

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

(670)

$62.59

Question:

I have a 1983 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia that I want to flat tow. I have the stowmaster tow bar and adapters already, however I need the wiring system to install on the Vanagon, that ties into my current light system. Which wiring harness do I need?

asked by: Michael B

Expert Reply:

If your Vanagon has a manual transmission, you'll be able to flat tow it.

In addition to the # 1208-1 base plates and a tow bar like the # RM-501 StowMaster, I'd recommend a diode system like the Roadmaster # RM-154. The diodes are tapped into the taillight circuits and prevent the taillight signals from the tow vehicle from back feeding into the towed vehicle's wiring system.

You'll also need a set of safety cables like # RM-643 and a supplemental braking system like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. A portable system like this would allow you to avoid an expensive installation and you'd also be able to easily move the system to a different vehicle in the future if need be.

I've linked to a installation showing a typical installation of the wiring kit I recommended. The procedure for your VW would be different, but the video would provide you with a good idea of what the install entails.