Which Base Plate Installs Easily on a 2013 Smart ForTwo, Blue Ox # BX1987 or Roadmaster # 52285-1
Question:
Which one has the lest complicated installation?
asked by: Bill
Expert Reply:
Blue Ox rates the installation difficulty for their 2013 Smart ForTwo base plates, part # BX1987, such that an experienced professional installer will typically need 4 hours to complete the install. (First-time installers will usually take significantly longer to complete the process.) The installation of this product requires removal of the front bumper fascia, some trimming of the bumper and air dam and some drilling.
The Roadmaster # 52285-1, Base Plates for the 2013 Smart fortwo, according to the team at Roadmaster, is also a very challenging installation best left to professional installers. This base plate requires much of the vehicle front be removed and may also require trimming of the spoiler, air dam or grill on some models.
Flat-towing safely requires a number of components: tow bar, base plates, safety cables, tow bar wiring and often a supplementary braking system.
Your first step in preparing for towing your Smart fortwo is a check of your vehicle owners manual for any recommendations and restrictions related to flat-towing this vehicle. You might next familiarize yourself with the attached articles concerning flat-towing. The first is a general primer on the components required to flat-tow, the second concerns Roadmaster Base Plates, and the third concerns supplemental braking systems. It is advisable to check local laws to confirm that you will be in compliance with all statutes concerning flat-towing a vehicle behind an RV as there are some variations in regulations from state to state.
If you already own a tow bar you might want to factor that into your selection of base plates as sometimes when brands are mixed additional parts, such as adapters, are required. You may find your overall installation process can be simplified by using base plates from the same manufacturer as your tow bar.
If you do not already have a tow bar you might want to take this consideration into account when making your selection. Roadmaster offers the Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520, which works with all Roadmaster base plates. You might also consider RoadMaster 68 Inch Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables, part # RM-643.
You have two different options for wiring the lights on your Smart car for flat towing; one is a permanent hardwired kit, such as Roadmaster Tow Bar Wiring for the 2013 Smart fortwo, part # RM-154. This wiring kits allows the RV to activate the brake, tail and turn signal lights on your fortwo. This is a good option if you will be frequently towing the vehicle. I have included a video showing installation of this wiring kit.
Flat towing requires a supplementary braking system, such as the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Proportional Braking System, part # RM-9400. This portable unit applies braking to your towed vehicle in proportion to the braking applied in the motor home.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
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 Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- 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
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue Ox and Curt Base Plates - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6K lbs
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2009-2012 Smart Fortwo
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas
- Shop: Blue Ox Acclaim Non-Binding Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - Car Mount - 5,000 lbs
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2013-2015 Smart Fortwo
- Shop: Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Article: What Is a Supplemental Braking System?
- Video: Roadmaster Diode 7 to 6 Wire Coil Kit Installation - 2015 Smart fortwo
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Q&A: Can 2013 Smart fortwo Automatic Transmission be Flat Towed
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Can Blue Ox Aventa LX be Used to Flat Tow a Lighter Weight Vehicle
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Must-Have Flat Towing Components
- Article: The Definitive, Step-by-Step Flat Towing Setup Guide
- Search Results: smart car
- Video: Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit Installation - 2015 Smart fortwo
- Video: Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit Installation - 2013 Smart fortwo
- Search Results: base plates
- Search Results: roadmaster falcon 2
- Search Results: blue ox tow bar
- Article: Tow Dolly vs Flat Towing vs Trailer Towing
- Q&A: Spacing Between Arms of Roadmaster 52285-1 Base Plates on 2015 Smart ForTwo
on Base Plates
