Needed Equipment to Flat Tow a 2001 PT Cruiser Behind Motor Home
Question:
I like the cost and write ups on this Roadmaster Tow Bar, RM-020. What do I also need to configure my PT for towing. i.e. base plate, pins and draw bar. Plus I have a 7 pin connector on the back of the RV what electrical cabling do I need to set it up to operate the PTs rear lights?
asked by: Randy P
Expert Reply:
In addition to the Roadmaster Tracker # RM-020 tow bar you referenced, you will need a base plate kit, safety cables, wiring and depending on the states you will be traveling in, a supplemental braking system.
The Roadmaster # 278-1, which fits all PT Cruiser models, is the base plate kit you would need. The base plates use removable draw bars that makes the base plate kit practically invisible when they are removed. Quick disconnects like part # RM-201 will also be needed.
The # RM-645 safety cable kit would work well, if you plan on wrapping the cables around the legs of the tow bar, or if you would prefer coiled cables, # RM-643 would be a good choice.
Of the available wiring options, the Roadmaster Bulb and Socket Kit, part # RM-155 is the easiest to install. It also has the benefit of isolating the tow bar wiring from the electrical system of the towed vehicle, which prevents any back-feeding into the RV. The bulb and socket kit uses a 4-pole flat trailer connector, which when used with an adapter like part # PK12716 will allow your wiring to plug into the 7-way on the RV.
You can see the various supplemental braking options by clicking on the link I have provided.
You will need to choose a draw bar with 2 inch ball that will place the coupler of the tow bar so that the tow bar is as close to level as possible. I have provided a photo that shows where the base plate attaches to the PT Cruiser. You will need to measure from where the top of the draw bar for the base plate will attach, to the ground. Then measure from the top of the receiver on the RV to the ground. The difference in these heights is the rise or drop of ball mount that you will need. If the receiver on the RV is higher, you will need a draw bar with a drop, or if the receivers on the base plates are higher, you will need a draw bar with a rise. The draw bar and ball will need the proper weight rating to handle the weight of the PT Cruiser. Make sure the diameter of the shank on the trailer ball matches the diameter of the mounting hole in the ball mount.
Many vehicles will require additional modifications in order to be flat towed. According to my research, your 2001 PT Cruiser can be flat towed without modification if it is equipped with the manual transmission. A lube pump will need to be installed to flat tow with the automatic transmission. I would urge you to confirm this information by consulting your owners manual or checking with Chrysler.
I will provide you with links to some various flat towing FAQ articles that you might find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Pollak 7 Pole to 4 Way Connector Adapter
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Single-Function Adapter
- 7 Round - Blade
- Plug Only
- 4 Flat
- Pollak
more information >
Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit with Bulbs
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Bulb and Socket 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 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 64" Single Hook, Straight Safety Cables - 8,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Straight Cables
- 64 Inch Long
- 8000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 >
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