Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2012 Honda Civic with Manual Transmission

Question:

I have a 2012 Honda Civic with a manual transmission that I want to set up to dinghy tow behind my motor home. Can you send me a list of all that is recomended, including optional choices? Thank you

asked by: Tom A

Expert Reply:

We can definitely help you find the parts you're looking for; a full flat towing setup consists of base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, tow bar wiring, and supplemental braking. I recommend starting with Blue Ox base plates # BX2256 since they are designed to work with all models of the 2012 Civic. Your tow bar will need to be compatible with your base plates, so I recommend using the Blue Ox Avail, # BX7420. This tow bar also comes with safety cables so you will not need to add any additional cables.

For tow bar wiring I recommend using the Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit # RM-154 since it comes with diodes that will prevent electrical feedback and the damage it can cause to your vehicle's electrical components. For the supplemental braking system, the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR is what I recommend since it's portable and easy to setup. This can be transferred to a new vehicle if you decide to dinghy tow something different in the future. This system does require installing an additional 12v outlet that is wired to the battery to provide power, which is available with the 12 Volt Outlet Kit # RM-9332.

You may also need a high/low adapter so that your tow bar is level, which will avoid binding and allow proper functioning. I've linked a helpful article on how to measure to determine if one is needed, as well as the rise/drop required. I've also linked our entire selection of high/low adapters and some review videos of these parts.

expert reply by: Erik B