Can a 2013 Honda Fit Be Flat Towed
Question:
I bought a new one and was told it was towable four down. The vehicle manual says NO. FMCA shows it as towable. Comments please.
asked by: Ken V
Expert Reply:
I have a copy of the 2013 Honda Fit Owners Manual that I found online, and it states that both manual and automatic transmission equipped Fit models can indeed be towed behind a motorhome IF the specific procedures shown are followed. You can find this information by doing a Google search on '2013 Honda Fit Owners Manual'. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and completely, as they're pretty specific and if they aren't followed to the letter, you can damage the drivetrain of your Fit.
I looked through several online forums, and saw several references stating that the 2013 Fit can be flat towed.
To flat tow a vehicle, you'll need base plates installed on the vehicle, a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution so the taillights on the Fit operate in tandem with those of the RV, a supplemental braking system and possibly a high/low adapter and a electrical umbilical to connect the RV and the Fit.
I'd recommend the Roadmaster # 521190-1 base plates and their Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520. The Falcon 2 tow bar is easy to use, and features auto locking and centering arms which makes attaching the vehicle to the RV easy, even if the vehicle isn't perfectly lined up with the RV.
For safety cables, I'd use # RM-643. When the base plates are installed, they'll be approximately 16-1/2 inches off the ground. For safety, you want the receiver height of the RV and the base plate height to be within 3 inches plus or minus of level. I'll link you to our selection of high-low adapters, in case you need to raise or lower the connection to get within 3 inches of level.
For wiring, you can go with a magnetic mount towing lamp system like the Roadmaster # RM-2120 which would be very easy to install and remove. For a more permanent solution that's still pretty easy to install, use the Hopkins # HM56302. This is a plug and play harness that wouldn't require any cutting or splicing to install.
For a braking system, I really like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. This is a portable system that easily installs and removes in moments, and doesn't require hours of complex and expensive installation. You might also need a brake light relay, part # RM-88400 if the brake lights on your Fit illuminate when you press the brake pedal with the engine turned off.
I have linked you to several of our flat towing FAQ articles about flat towing, as well as several installation videos for most of the products I've recommended.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
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 >
Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Plugs into Vehicle Wiring
- Wiring Harness
- Custom
- Tail Light Mount
- Hopkins
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 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 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 Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Light Relay
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Magnetic Tow Lights - Red LEDs - 4-Way Flat Connectors - 20' Long Harness
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Peterson
more information >
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on Tow Bar Wiring
Douglas M.
8/9/2020
I want to tow a 2013 Manual transmission Honda Fit behind my Class A motor home. Am I wrong to think for such a light car I don't need a braking system?