Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2005 Honda CR-V with Blue Ox Base Plates Installed

Question:

I just bought a used 2005 Honda CRV, AWD, EX, in very good condition. It appears to have a Blue Ox baseplate already attached with a four pin connector plug already wired in the vehicle. What do you recommend I get as a top quality, low maintenance, easy to use towbar system, including wiring, safety chains, etc? I have been using a tow dolly, but this is my first time using a tow bar. I will be towing the CRV with a 2006 Newmar Dutch Star, diesel pusher with a Cummins 400 ISL, 10000 LBs tow rating hitch attached.

asked by: Ed S

Expert Reply:

For the 2005 Honda CR-V with Blue Ox base plates, the most popular tow bar is the Blue Ox Alpha, # BX7380. This tow bar also comes with safety cables so you will not have to get those separately. Maintenance is easy. You will need to keep it clean using mild soap and water. Lubricate the inner arms with a silicone based lubricant. The other joints use self-lubricating washers. If they do get stiff clean them with mild soap and water.

With the base plates, tow bar, safety cables, and presumably the lighting already determined there is only one item left you will need. Most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. Since your motorhome is a diesel it'll have air brakes. You definitely want to use a system designed for air brakes to avoid false braking on the CR-V so I recommend the Air Force One # SM99243. It doesn't engage the brakes using the motorhome's brake lights so you won't have false braking.

The only other thing you may need is a fuse bypass, # RM76511, because a fuse needs to be pulled to flat tow the 2005 Honda CR-V (consult the owners manual to confirm and for additional information on flat towing the vehicle). To avoid having to pull the fuse ever time you would use the fuse bypass and cut power to it with the flip of a switch.This is great for people who flat tow vehicles often.

I have also included 2 helpful links to the right of our series of FAQ articles on flat towing for you.

expert reply by: Michael H