Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon
Question:
Is there a safety chain required from the base to the frame?
asked by: David
Expert Reply:
Safety cables are required to be connected from the tow bar to the tow vehicle when flat towing. A great set are the Roadmaster Coiled Safety Cables # RM-643. Some base plates include safety cables that are shorter and connect the plates to the frame of the tow vehicle. These are only necessary to instal if they are included with the base plates. #1208-1 that you referenced do not include cables.
To flat tow your 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon you will also need the base plates # 1208-1 that you referenced and a tow bar. I suggest using the # RM-033 adapter to connect to the Roadmaster Sterling # RM-576. The Sterling includes a set of safety cables so you won't need extra ones.
For lighting I would avoid splicing into the wiring of the VW and use the Roadmaster Magnetic Tow Light Set # RM-2120. Then for a supplemental braking system, I recommend the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. It's a portable and easy to setup system.
Finally, you'll likely need a high-low adapter to keep everything level. I've linked our selection so you can choose which rise or drop you need for your setup.
I have attached some help articles on flat towing that you also may find helpful.
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 Crossbar-Style Base Plate Adapter for Blue Ox and Demco Tow Bars
- Accessories and Parts
- Base Plates
- Tow Bar
- Adapters
- Blue Ox to Roadmaster
- Demco to Roadmaster
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Aluminum
- 8000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- 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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms
- Base Plates
- Fixed Drawbars
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Shop: Roadmaster BrakeMaster for RVs w/ Air or Air-Over-Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Article: What Is a Supplemental Braking System?
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - Car Mount - 6,000 lbs
- Article: Base Plate Adapter Table
- Q&A: Which Is Better, Ball Mount Or Receiver Tube Style Tow Bar
- Q&A: Are All Blue Ox Tow Bars Compatible with All Blue Ox Base Plates
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2002-2004 Jeep Liberty
- Q&A: Where To Install Bulb Socket Kit for Flat Towing 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Article: Trailer Hitch Receiver Sizes
- Article: Tow Bar Wiring: Which Wiring Kit is for You?
- Q&A: Air Dam Trimming Required to Install Base Plate Kit on a 2015 Jeep Wrangler
- Q&A: Recommended Base Plates for 2015 Jeep Wrangler to Use With Roadmaster Blackhawk 2 Tow Bar
- Q&A: Which Bumpers Can I Flat Tow a Jeep Wrangler JLU With Using D-Ring Adapters
- Q&A: Is the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit for a 2019 Jeep Wrangler As Strong As Others
- Article: Can You Flat Tow a Ford Ranger
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates