Purchase and Installation of Flat Towing Package for 2013 Honda CR-V  

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Expert Reply:

Hello, while etrailer does not have a network of recommended shops the good news is that most all items are easily installed; any local shop with a reputation that meets your level of satisfaction should be qualified to provide expected results.

However, are you aware that etrailer is located in Wentzville, MO less than an hours drive from High Ridge and we have installation bays? And, some items may be available for free installation. Please take a look at the # Local-Install link.

For your complete flat towing setup you need the following:

- Base Plates
- Tow Bar
- Safety Cables
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Supplemental Braking System
- Additional Components

I have attached a link to a help article "Flat Towing Package for 2012-2014 Honda CR-V". As you will see this provides options of complete tow package setups for your 2013 Honda CR-V. I prefer the etrailer or Roadmaster packages. The first step is to decide what base plate you prefer and what tow bar mates to that component. If you have preference of a tow bar then what base plate needs selected to match that.

Base Plates. I suggest the Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit with Removable Arms, # RM-521567-4. (see attached link installed on 2013 Honda CR-V.) The Roadmaster's crossbar-style brackets are virtually invisible, easy to mount and simple to remove. The brackets install on your Honda CR-V's frame to provide attachment points for your tow bar. The hidden bracket design provides improved aesthetics compared to standard bracket design.

Tow Bar. Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar, # RM-522. (see attached link installed on 2013 Honda CR-V.) The hassle-free latches on this hitch-mounted tow bar let you easily release your car, even at a hard angle or on unlevel ground. Stainless steel, telescoping arms and large hookup radius make connecting a snap. Easily folds up to store on your RV.

Safety Cables & Tow Bar Wiring. RoadMaster Falcon 2 and Falcon All-Terrain Combo Towing Kit with Straight Wiring, # RM-9243-1. You get everything you need to tow with RoadMaster's Falcon 2 and Falcon All-Terrain system in one convenient kit that includes wiring kit, power cord, mounting bracket, safety cables, padlocks, tow bar cover, and a vinyl bag to store it all. This wiring kit contains 4 Hy-Power diodes to connect towed vehicle's electrical system with RV's. It connects brake, signal and running lights of towed car to your RV and allows current to flow in only one direction - from RV to car - preventing electrical feedback and any possible damage associated with it. Made with superior protection from the elements with epoxy-sealed, anodized aluminum casings.

Supplemental Braking System. Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supplemental Braking System, # RM-8700. Provides automatic, real-time braking in your towed Honda CR-V with the InvisiBrake. Actuator box installs permanently so that you never have to remove, adjust or reactivate. The system connects to RV and engages car brakes when the RV brake lights illuminate. A cable pulley tugs towed car's brake pedal gently, gradually and with balanced pressure when brakes are applied in RV. This is a permanent installation so you do not need to remove or disconnect; The actuator box mounts out of the way, typically beneath the driver's seat. (see attached link installed on 2014 Honda CR-V.) You will also need the Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles, # RM-88400.

And finally, you may/may not require the use of a high-low adapter. I have attached a link to a help article "HOW TO CHOOSE A HIGH-LOW ADAPTER" to assist you in making this determination. To flat tow your vehicle behind your RV the tow bar adapter is used to raise or lower the height of the tow bar to the "Safe Zone". The "Safe Zone" for a motor-home-mounted tow bar ranges from 3" above level to 3" below level. A tow bar adapter will provide the necessary rise/drop to get into the "Safe Zone". Discover this by measuring from the ground to the center of the base plate kit on your 2020 Ford Fusion and compare that to the measurement from the ground to the top of the inside edge of the hitch on your motorhome. If this distance is not within 3" of one another then you want to use a high-low adapter. Please note the link to a selection of adaptors attached.

Please review these options and let me know how I can further help. Happy Camping!

expert reply by: Michael R

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