Tow Bar And Other Needed Items To Flat-Tow a Smart Car  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

Glad to help you select a tow bar, what base plates do you have installed? What year is your vehicle and do you already have the supplemental braking too?

To flat tow a Smart Fortwo you will need several different parts starting with a base plate kit, which it appears you already have. The type connection you have, direct connect or crossbar, will determine what type of tow bar is needed. If you have a Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit, such as # 52285-1, I recommend the Roadmaster Sterling # RM-576. This is an easy to connect to the base plates with its self-aligning design, its included safety cables, and long telescoping arms which make it easier to maneuver when towing your Smart Fortwo. For a cover to protect your tow bar and keep it in great working order I recommend taking a look at the Roadmaster Tow Bar Cover # RM-055-3.

You already have a wiring kit in place to cause your towed vehicle's indicator lights to work with your RV. If you do not have a battery disconnect in place I recommend using the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect with Switch # RM-766 along with Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25 to maintain the battery charge in your Fortwo while it is being towed.

A supplemental braking system is required by law in most every state, I suggest the Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System, # HM39494. The actuator on this unit applies the towed car's brakes after receiving signal via internal inertia sensor and braking power settings let you adjust brake intensity based on your towed car's weight.

It is likely you will need a high-low adapter to keep your tow bar level with your tow vehicle. The adapter you need is going to depend on some measurements you'll need to take. I have added a link to a help article on high-low adapters which explains the measurements you'll need, as well as a link to our page with our selection of adapters.

expert reply by: Michael R

1