Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2009 Smart fortwo Passion
Question:
I want to attach the Blue Ox base plate to my 2009 Smart Car Passion with fog lights. Would there be any cutting to be done and is it easy to install it myself? What would the total kit base plate, motorhome attached hitch, wiring kit, safety chains and whatever else is required for a complete installation cost me. Thanks
asked by: Gert S
Expert Reply:
The first thing you will want to do is consult the vehicle owners manual to determine the proper towing procedure of the vehicle. From the research I did, the car should be flat towable as is but you will still want to confirm by checking the owners manual.
The Blue Ox base plate kit that fits your 2009 Smart fortwo does require trimming of spoiler, air dam, grill or plastic fascia on some models. There's a fair amount of mechanical aptitude needed for installation and I recommend having base plates professionally installed.
Because of the available tow bars I recommend going with the Roadmaster kit, part # 52285-1, instead.
For a tow bar, since the Smart car is so small, you can use a lower capacity tow bar like the Tracker, # RM-020, and be sure to use quick release attachments, # RM-201, to allow the EZ base plate arms to be removable. I have included a link to the installation details for the tow bar.
You would then need safety cables. I recommend the coiled cables # RM-643 because the coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.
For wiring, you have a couple of options. If you do not plan on flat towing the car often, I recommend using a magnetic kit like # RM-2120. If you will be towing the vehicle frequently, then it would be a good idea to install a more permanent solution like a diode kit, # RM-154. I have included a link to a video that shows how diodes install.
Most states now require a supplemental braking system on the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Roadmaster Even Brake, # RM-9400. This is a proportional system 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.
I have included a link to our series of FAQ articles on flat towing for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Coupler Style
- Fixed
- Steel
- 5000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Stores Separately
- Standard
- 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 >
Replacement Roadmaster Tow Bar Quick Disconnect Kit
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Quick Disconnects
- Car Side and Tow Bar Side
- 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 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 Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- 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
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