Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle

Question:

I want to tow a volkswagon Beetle behind my moterhome do I need sway control pulling a little car or not. I think you mount the backing plate where the fog lamps are, do you recommend a certain brand. Thank you

asked by: Hugh C

Expert Reply:

For flat towing a vehicle you would not need a sway control unit, nor is there one made for that purpose. You would need several items though. To start you would need a base plate kit. For your 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle you would want the # 521225-1.

In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon 2, # RM-520. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.

For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed vehicle. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BRK2016, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

Most likely you will also need a high low adapter so that the tow bar will be level when you are flat towing. I attached a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.

I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing your vehicle.