Recommended Flat-Tow Setup For 2003 Honda Element Being Towed By 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Question:
Do you offer a flat towing package for a 2003 Honda element to a 2014 Mercedes sprinter motor home? Or could you suggest components to build one?
asked by: Steve T
Expert Reply:
While we do not offer a flat-towing kit for your 2003 Honda Element, I would be happy to recommend all of the parts you will need to safely flat-tow it with your 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Motorhome.
First you will need a custom fit base plate kit, I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX2232 which will blend in pretty well to the grille with the arms removed as you can see in the included picture.
Moving on to a tow bar compatible with the Blue Ox # BX2232 I recommend the Blue Ox Alpha 2 Tow Bar # BX7380 which has a 6500lb weight rating, and includes safety cables to keep you from having to purchase them separately.
To power the lights of your Element while it is being flat-towed I recommend the Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-152-98146-7 which will plug into the 7-way connector on your Sprinter, and will add a 6-way connector to the front of your vehicle for the other end of the cord to be plugged into. The included diodes will protect your factory wiring from any feedback or damage.
Lastly there are quite a few states that require a supplemental braking system, and even if it is not required it is a key safety feature should your towed vehicle disconnect from the tow vehicle and will provide a more enjoyable towing experience. I recommend the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR due to it being easy to install compared to a permanent mount option, and allows for you to use it in another towed vehicle in the future if needed.
It is likely that you will need a high-low adapter to level the tow bar to your tow vehicle, so I have included a helpful article that goes over how to measure for the correct adapter, and a link to all of our high-low adapters for you to take a look at.
When I looked in the owner's manual for your 2003 Honda Element, it listed very specific procedures to make your vehicle ready to be flat-towed depending on which transmission your vehicle has. I recommend taking a look at page 198 in your owner's manual and follow the listed steps to avoid any damage to your Element.
I included videos for each of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6500 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Wire to 6-Wire Straight Cord
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
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on Base Plates
