Parts Needed To Flat Tow A 2004 Honda Civic Behind Motorhome

Question:

What parts do I need to tow the honda behind my motorhome comfortably for trips from calif to minn? I would rather not cut corners on equipment. Thanks

asked by: Dan

Helpful Expert Reply:

To flat tow your 2004 Honda Civic you will need vehicle specific base plates, a tow bar, safety chains, a supplemental braking system, tow wiring for your Civic, and a wiring extension.

For base plates, I recommend a Roadmaster kit. If your Civic is a Hybrid or standard model use # 521537-1. If you have an SI this will not fit.

I recommend the Roadmaster Sterling, # RM-576. It'll pair nicely with either base plate kit and it includes safety cables and a wiring harness.

I recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking System # SM99251 for a supplemental braking system. This system is permanently installed in your vehicle and will allow you to drive your Civic normally when you aren't flat towing.

A tow wire is required so your brake and signal lights function properly while flat towing. Since your Civic has separate brake and turn signals, you will want to use a tow bar wire that include 6 diodes, like # 154-792-118158. This prevents the need of an additional brake light relay. I recommend using this wiring kit but cutting off the 4-way that'll be on the front of the Civic and using the connector and cord that's included with the
Sterling tow bar.

In order to connect your tow vehicle wiring to that of your RV, you will likely need an extension. Extension can provided needed length, or serve as an adapter between different wiring connectors. I have attached a link to all of our extensions for you.

Because the Honda Civic is a smaller vehicle, it is possible that you may need a high-low adapter for your vehicle. It is important for your towing setup to be as level as possible. In order to know if a high-low adapter is necessary, and what distance will be needed to tow level, you will want to take a couple of measurements. Measure the height from the center of the hitch pin hole on the RV to the ground. Then, measure the distance from the center of the towed vehicle's draw bar arms on the base plate to the ground. For the Blue Ox base plates for the Hybrid Civic # BX2236, the tab height is 12 inches. For the base plates for the standard model # BX2234, the tab height is 13-1/4 inches. You will want to subtract the measurement of your tow vehicle from the measurement of your RV. If the difference is greater than 3 inches, you will need a high-low adapter. I have attached a link to all of our adapters for you.

I have also attached a few help articles on the basics of flat towing for you.