Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2008 Honda CR-V with a Stowmaster 5000 Tow Bar

Question:

I have a Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000 tow bar. I want to get Roadmaster 1559-1 mounting plates for my 2008 CRV, will I need adapters, or anything else to fit the tow bar to the mounting plates?

asked by: John H

Expert Reply:

Roadmaster Base Plates, # RM-521559-4, for your 2008 Honda CR-V are compatible with all Roadmaster tow bars including your Stowmaster. You will not need any adapters to use the tow bar with the base plates.

If you do not have safety cables, you will need to add some. You can use coiled cables # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.

For lighting I recommend a simple magnetic kit, # RM-2120, if you will not be towing the CR-V often. For a more permanent solution I recommend diode kit # 154-792-118158. I have linked the installation instructions for you.

It looks like you will need to pull a fuse to flat tow your CR-V to avoid draining the battery. Check the owners manual to confirm. To make this process as easy as flipping a switch you can use fuse bypass # RM76511.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the easiest systems to set up and use is the Even Brake proportional system # RM-9400. It will apply the CR-V brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the easiest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

For proper operation of the braking system you will also need stop light switch kit # RM-751000 and outlet kit # 12 Volt Outlet Kit RM-9332. The stop light switch kit will tell you that the vehicle brake pedal is actually moving so you know the braking system is moving.

Be sure to consult your CR-V owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.