Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2003 Pontiac Vibe Behind a Motor Home

Question:

Dear Expert, The internet does not show the Vibe on their approved Dingie list. Do you know and you know the Pontiac is not longer made, so GMC dealers would be useless and want to sell just sell us a new car. It would be nice since we could set up base camp for the RV in the eastern sierras and run all over to catch browns and rainbow trout in all the other lakes. Gone Fishin

asked by: Dave A

Expert Reply:

I promise not to try to sell you a new car, only what you will need to flat tow the Vibe. The information below is complimentary. If you have an automatic transmission and the vehicle is front wheel drive, you will need to use a tow dolly and I will cover that later. If it is an automatic and all wheel drive it must be towed on a trailer, it cannot be flat towed or carried on a dolly.

Now if you a manual transmission you can flat tow it. For all of the above information consult the vehicle owners manual to verify and for the proper towing procedure of the vehicle. There is usually a section called towing or recreational towing.

If you determine that you have a model that can be flat towed then you will need 5 components. First, base plates. You can use the XL style base plates, # 3113-1. When the vehicle is not being towed, the arms can be removed making the plates virtually invisible.

Next you will need a tow bar compatible with XL base plates. The most popular option is the Falcon 2, # RM-520, that you have referenced. I have included links to the installation details and a video review of this tow bar for you. You will then need safety cables like # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.

Lighting is the next item you will need. The easiest system to install and use is a magnetic system like # RM-2120. These lights plug into a standard 4-Way flat trailer connector. The lights have a magnetic base so you can mount them to any flat metal surface. On a Vibe probably on the top in front of where the hatch hinges is the best place.

And last, most states now require a supplemental braking system on the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Even Brake # RM-9400. This is a proportional system that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the towing vehicle is braking. Proportional systems are the safest way to stop and they reduce wear and tear on both vehicles.

I have included a link to our series of FAQ articles on flat towing for you.

If you have a model that can be carried on a tow dolly we have the Roadmaster tow dolly, # RM-2050-1. This dolly has all the bells and whistles including electric brakes. You will need to have a 6-Way round trailer connector and brake controller on the RV to power the lights and brakes on this tow dolly.

For a 6-Way you could use # PK11609. For a brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885. It is easy to set up and easy to use.

Wish I was gone fishin . . . .