Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2014 Smart fortwo
Question:
I have a 25 foot Winne View and will be purchasing a 2014 Smart car for 2. What do I need to safely and easily hook it up? I will probably be traveling about 10,000 miles a year and cant perform anything too physically demanding. I will also need the tow plate to affix to the Smart.
asked by: Stephen D
Expert Reply:
First let's start with a base plate kit for your 2014 Smart forwo. For that you would want the part # 52285-1 which is a confirmed fit.
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. The telescoping arms and the fact that it stores on the RV and not the vehicle make it one of the easiest to use. 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 # BLU37TR, 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. To power this you will need the part # RM-9332. For a stoplight switch you'd need the part # RM-751437 as well.
The battery of your vehicle needs to be disconnected when flat towing, for an easy way to do this you would want the part # RM-766.
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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Stop Light Switch
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Auto Battery Disconnect
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Video: Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit Installation - 2015 Smart fortwo
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Shop: Blue Ox Adventurer Adjustable Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Article: The Definitive, Step-by-Step Flat Towing Setup Guide
- Video: Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit Installation - 2013 Smart fortwo
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2013-2015 Smart Fortwo
- Q&A: Can a 2014 Smart Fortwo Be Flat-Towed
- Video: Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit Road Test
- Video: Roadmaster Diode 7 to 6 Wire Coil Kit Installation - 2015 Smart fortwo
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: tow bar braking systems
- Article: How to Choose a High-Low Adapter
- Search Results: base plates
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: tow bar
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
on Base Plates
