Base Plates, Tow Bar, Wiring, Safety Cables, and a Braking System to Flat Tow a 1999 Honda Accord

Question:

I have a pair of hookups from a 2006 saturn vue. Will I be able the just purchase the receiver for the Honda and will the 2006 Saturn vue hitch work on the honda hitch?

asked by: Larry O

Expert Reply:

The base plates for each individual vehicle are unique to that vehicle and parts will not be interchangeable. For the 1999 Honda Accord, you would need the Roadmaster XL Base Plates, # 1545-1 that you have referenced. You would then need a compatible tow bar.

If you have a tow bar that you used with the Saturn, you can use it on the Accord as well. However, you will need to make sure that the tow bar you are using is compatible with XL style base plates. If not, I recommend the RoadMaster Tracker Tow Bar, # RM-020, with Roadmaster Tow Bar Quick Disconnect Kit, # RM-201.

You will also need safety cables, lighting/wiring, and a supplemental braking system as required by law, if you do not already have these items. For safety cables, I recommend the Roadmaster Single Hook Coiled Safety Cables, # RM-643. For lighting, there are a couple of options. For infrequent flat towing, you can use a magnetic light kit, # RM-2120.

If you plan on flat towing the Accord often, it would be beneficial to wire the car with diodes. The 1999 Honda Accord has a 3 wire system (turn signals are separate from brake lights) so there are a couple of ways you can wire in diodes. I have included a link to an FAQ article that explains both methods. You can use a kit like # 38955. I have also included a link to a video showing a typical installation.

For a braking system the easiest to use and install would be the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Proportional Braking System, # RM-9400. This system installs quickly so you are ready to go in minutes. It engages the towed vehicle brakes proportionally to how much the towing vehicle is braking, reducing wear of both vehicles brakes.

Finally, you will need to check with the manufacturer and/or your vehicle owners manual for instructions on the proper procedure for towing your vehicle because some vehicles must be equipped with a transmission lube pump, an axle disconnect, drive line disconnect, or free-wheeling hubs before they can be towed.