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man hooking up flat tow.
man hooking up truck to flat tow.

Tow Bars and Flat Tow Accessories

Can I Flat Tow my vehicle.
Can I Flat Tow my vehicle.
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit on front of Jeep.
1. TOW BAR BASE PLATESA tow bar base plate is the link between your vehicle and RV, providing a secure mounting point for your tow bar. Base plates are designed specifically for your vehicle's make and model, ensuring a seamless fit. This means your vehicle stays stable and aligned during flat towing, so you can hook up easily and hit the road with confidence.
Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow Bar attached to RV.
2. TOW BARSA tow bar connects your vehicle to your RV by securely attaching to the base plate on your vehicle and the hitch on your RV, ensuring controlled towing and proper alignment. This solid connection keeps everything stable on the road, giving you a smooth towing experience. For those who just want to get out and journey, a tow bar makes it easy to hook up and go.
Roadmaster EZ Hook Safety Cables in blue.
3. SAFETY CABLESSafety cables provides a backup connection between your vehicle and RV in case the tow bar ever disconnects. They ensure that your vehicle stays attached, preventing it from breaking loose on the road. For a safe and secure journey, safety cables give you peace of mind, knowing that even in the unlikely event of a disconnect, you’re still protected.
Blue OX Tow Bar Wiring Kit being install in truck.
4. FLAT TOW WIRING HARNESSA wiring harness is essential for your flat tow setup because it syncs your vehicle’s lights with your RV’s, ensuring that your brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights all function properly while towing. This is not only crucial for safety, but it’s also required by law. Without a wiring harness, other drivers won’t be able to see your signals, making towing dangerous.
Brake Buddy Brake System in cab of truck.
5. FLAT TOW BRAKE SYSTEMSA flat tow brake system provides the necessary braking power to your towed vehicle, reducing strain on your RV’s brakes and ensuring smoother, safer stops. It helps you maintain control and shortens stopping distances, especially during sudden stops or on steep inclines. Not only does it enhance safety, but it's also required by law in many states.
FLAT TOW HELP ARTICLESADDITIONAL WIRING COMPONENTSTOW BAR ACCESSORIES
Ensuring Safe Travels: Flat Towing or Using a Dolly with Your RV Check out our selection of tow dollies, or choose from our wide array of flat tow products to create a world-class setup. We have everything you need, from hitch-style and coupler-style tow bars to wiring to braking systems. Not only do we have the tow bars, we also have the accessories you need to hook it up and function properly, from the wiring down to the brake systems. With trusted brands like Roadmaster, Curt, Demco, Blue Ox, and Tow Ready, you can travel with peace of mind that you have a high quality product that will do its job right. With over 75 years of assisting our neighbors and customers, over 1 million photos and videos taken to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need, and over 35 thousand installations completed, we’ve got the product know-how and experience to help you make the right choices for the job at hand.What is flat towing?Flat towing, or dinghy towing, is when you tow a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground behind another vehicle, like an RV. It’s a simple way to bring your car along for the ride without using a trailer or dolly.What’s the difference between flat towing and using a tow dolly or trailer?Flat towing is simpler—no bulky dolly or trailer to store or deal with. As long as your car is flat towable, it’s faster to set up and easier to disconnect when you reach your destination.Can I flat tow my car?Not every car can be flat towed, so it’s best to check your owner’s manual. Look under “Recreational Towing” to see if it’s approved and find any special instructions. For more information, be sure to check out our Flat Tow Index to see which vehicles are compatible and any additional tips! What do I need to flat tow a car?You’ll need a few key things:
  • Tow Bar Base Plates: These attach to your car to connect it to the tow bar.
  • Tow Bar: This links your car to the RV.
  • Safety Cables: A backup connection in case the tow bar fails.
  • Wiring Harness: To sync your car’s lights with your RV.
  • Supplemental Braking System: A braking system for your towed car, which is required in most states.
Why do I need a supplemental braking system?A supplemental braking system helps your car stop safely while it’s being towed. It reduces wear on your RV’s brakes and is often required by law. It’s all about keeping everyone safe! For more information, check out our FAQ. Can I flat tow an automatic car?Sometimes. Certain automatic cars can be flat towed, but it depends on the make and model. Check your owner’s manual to be sure, as some might need modifications or have special procedures.How do I hook up my car’s lights for flat towing?You’ll need a wiring harness to connect your car’s lights to your RV. Some are plug-and-play, while others might need splicing. Either way, it ensures your car’s brake and turn signals match your RV’s.Are there speed or distance limits when flat towing?Possibly! Some vehicles have restrictions, like not exceeding a certain speed or towing for too long without stopping. Your owner’s manual will have all the details. How do I keep my flat towing setup in good shape?Regularly check your tow bar, base plates, safety cables, and wiring for wear or damage. Test your braking system before every trip to make sure it’s working perfectly.