Can a 2013 Honda Fit Be Flat Towed

Updated 08/20/2020 | Published 03/11/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Universal Magnetic Tow Lights - Red LEDs - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(23)

$72.60

Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(489)

$575.00

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(544)

$1450.69

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

(46)

$84.91

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

(422)

$850.00

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

(673)

$74.54

Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles

(762)

$52.08

Question:

I bought a new one and was told it was towable four down. The vehicle manual says NO. FMCA shows it as towable. Comments please.

asked by: Ken V

Expert Reply:

I have a copy of the 2013 Honda Fit Owners Manual that I found online, and it states that both manual and automatic transmission equipped Fit models can indeed be towed behind a motorhome IF the specific procedures shown are followed. You can find this information by doing a Google search on '2013 Honda Fit Owners Manual'. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and completely, as they're pretty specific and if they aren't followed to the letter, you can damage the drivetrain of your Fit.

I looked through several online forums, and saw several references stating that the 2013 Fit can be flat towed.

To flat tow a vehicle, you'll need base plates installed on the vehicle, a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution so the taillights on the Fit operate in tandem with those of the RV, a supplemental braking system and possibly a high/low adapter and a electrical umbilical to connect the RV and the Fit.

I'd recommend the Roadmaster # 521190-1 base plates and their Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520. The Falcon 2 tow bar is easy to use, and features auto locking and centering arms which makes attaching the vehicle to the RV easy, even if the vehicle isn't perfectly lined up with the RV.
For safety cables, I'd use # RM-643. When the base plates are installed, they'll be approximately 16-1/2 inches off the ground. For safety, you want the receiver height of the RV and the base plate height to be within 3 inches plus or minus of level. I'll link you to our selection of high-low adapters, in case you need to raise or lower the connection to get within 3 inches of level.

For wiring, you can go with a magnetic mount towing lamp system like the Roadmaster # RM-2120 which would be very easy to install and remove. For a more permanent solution that's still pretty easy to install, use the Hopkins # HM56302. This is a plug and play harness that wouldn't require any cutting or splicing to install.

For a braking system, I really like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. This is a portable system that easily installs and removes in moments, and doesn't require hours of complex and expensive installation. You might also need a brake light relay, part # RM-88400 if the brake lights on your Fit illuminate when you press the brake pedal with the engine turned off.

I have linked you to several of our flat towing FAQ articles about flat towing, as well as several installation videos for most of the products I've recommended.

expert reply by: Mike L

Douglas M.

8/9/2020

I want to tow a 2013 Manual transmission Honda Fit behind my Class A motor home. Am I wrong to think for such a light car I don't need a braking system?

Jon G.

8/20/2020

Not really. We recommend always going with one because it gives you more control over your entire rig which means ultimately everything will be more safe. Plus most states now require a braking system so you'll want to check the laws of each state you'll be traveling through to make sure you don't get pulled over. Ultimately my philosophy on this is that it'd be better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.