Does a 2014 Smart fortwo Need a Stop Light Switch When Flat Towing
Question:
Im going to order all of the suggested equipment necessary to tow my smart car but Im been told by RV Camping World that I need a light Switch for my brake lights?? and you show Diodes??
asked by: Robert V
Expert Reply:
Essentially you need both. The diode kit # RM-15267 powers the lights of your 2014 Smart fortwo so that you'll have running, brake, and turn signals while it's being flat towed. Then the Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751437 is used to alert you whenever the brake pedal of the Smart car is being applied. It taps into the brake light switch and makes sure the supplemental braking system is working correctly.
In addition to the lighting and stop light switch you'll also need a base plate kit, compatible tow bar, some safety cables, a supplemental braking system, and likely a high-low adapter.
The base plate kit I recommend is the Roadmaster # 52285-1. It's custom designed for your Smart car and compatible with the Falcon 2 # RM-520 which is one of our most popular tow bars. The safety cables we always suggest are # RM-643 because they're plenty long enough and coiled so they don't drag on the ground.
Your vehicle needs to have the battery disconnected while flat towing. Instead of having to pull the battery cable each time the easy way is the add a Battery Disconnect Switch # RM-766. This way you can just flip a switch and the battery is disconnected and then flip it back to reconnect.
For a supplemental braking system the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251 is a favorite around here because of how reliable it is and it's easier to install than many other permanently installed systems. I like the installed systems over the portable ones because once you have it in the car you don't have to worry about it. The portable systems need to be set up each time you tow.
Finally, you'll likely need a high-low adapter. I've attached an article to help you determine the correct rise or drop your setup requires. I've also linked our selection of adapters for you to look at once you know what you need.
In addition to my recommendations I've linked some articles on flat towing that you may find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- 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 >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
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