Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2013-2015 Smart Fortwo
Question:
What do I need in order to flat tow my Smart Fortwo?
asked by: Lowry
Expert Reply:
To flat tow a Smart Fortwo you will need a few different parts, and that starts with a base plate kit. I recommend the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit # 52285-1 because it has brackets that are hidden away for a clean look and drawbars you can easily twist off. For a tow bar I recommend checking out the Roadmaster Sterling # RM-576 because it is easy to connect to the base plates with its self-aligning design, its included safety cables, and long telescoping arms which make it easier to maneuver when towing your Smart Fortwo. For a cover to protect your tow bar and keep it in great working order I recommend taking a look at the Roadmaster Tow Bar Cover # RM-055-3.
For a wiring kit that will allow your Fortwo's lights to function while being towed you can use the Roadmaster Hy-Power Diode Kit # RM-154. Please keep in mind you will need to disconnect your Smart Fortwo's battery when towing so I highly recommend using the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect with Switch # RM-766 along with Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25 to maintain the battery charge in your Fortwo while it is being towed.
A supplemental braking system is a requirement in most states and I highly recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play # SM99251 for this. This is a proportional braking system which is a one-time install you can leave in so you'll never have to deactivate or reactivate it. You need to use the Brake Pedal Adapter for SMI Air Force One and Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking Systems # SM99602 to position the cylinder on your brake pedal so it will not interfere with normal braking while driving.
Finally, it is likely you will need a high-low adapter to keep your tow bar level with your tow vehicle. The adapter you need is going to depend on some measurements you'll need to take. I have added a link to a help article on high-low adapters which explains the measurements you'll need, as well as a link to our page with our selection of adapters.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Covers and Storage
- Tow Bar Cover
- Sterling
- Eagle
- Falcon
- Blackhawk
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Pole Flat Connectors
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Battery Charge Line Kit
- 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 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 >
Smart Car Brake Pedal Adapter for Demco Air Force One and Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking Systems
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Hardware
- Adapters
- Brackets
- Demco
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
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2013-2015 Smart Fortwo
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2009-2012 Smart Fortwo
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing Parts for a 2009 Smart Fortwo
- Article: How Level Should a Tow Bar Be When Flat Towing
- Q&A: Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000 Tow Bar Compatibility with Roadmaster Base Plates
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing Parts for a 2008 Smart fortwo
- Q&A: How To Use the Roadmaster Falcon Tow Bar 5250 on a 2009 Smart ForTwo
- Article: The Definitive, Step-by-Step Flat Towing Setup Guide
- Q&A: Which Base Plate Installs Easily on a 2013 Smart ForTwo, Blue Ox # BX1987 or Roadmaster # 52285-1
- Q&A: Are US and UK Base Plates Different for a 2015 Smart ForTwo
- Q&A: Diagram Showing How To Wire Taillight Diode Kit Like a 2-Wire System
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Installing an Electric Brake Controller on 2007-2013 GM Full-Size Truck or 2007-Present GM SUV
Keith
2/19/2024
On the smart car it’s automatic is there a disconnect? How are we doing that or does it have to be manual transmission?