Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 1998 Honda Civic Behind a Motor Home

Question:

I have a 1998 Honda Civic. I have a tow bar that I used with my Accord that I would like to use. It looks like that if I buy this base plate, I will need to buy the matching tow bar, since the bar connecting the two plates comes with the tow bar. Am I correct?

asked by: David B

Expert Reply:

Base plates are specific to the same brand of tow bars. In some cases there is an adapter that could be used but I would need to know the manufacturer and model number of the tow bar to determine if there is an adapter that would work.

The Roadmaster fixed base plates, # 510-15, for the 1998 Honda Civic do not have removable arms so they will always be visible at the front of the vehicle. If you want base plates with removable arms then use # 510-1. If you do want to just get a compatible tow bar then you can get an inexpensive Roadmaster tow bar, the Tracker, # RM-020.

You will also need safety cables. I recommend coiled cables # RM-643. The coiled design will help keep the cables off of the ground.

Next you will need a lighting solution. The easiest way to go is a magnetic kit # RM-2120. You will not have to cut into the vehicle wiring to install or use this lighting kit.

And last, most states now require a supplemental braking system on the vehicle being flat towed. I recommend the InvisiBrake # RM-8700 because once it is installed you will not have to mess with it again. If you use this braking system and a magnetic light kit then you will need to ground the lights to the Civic frame instead of through the 4-Way connector because a substantial ground is needed for the braking system/light kit combination.

Be sure to also check your Civic owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. There is usually a sectional called recreational towing. I have also included a couple of helpful links to the right on flat towing for you.