Looking for a new vehicle to pull your RV? There are many factors to consider while making the choice, but to help you get started, here is our short list of affordable 2018 model-year cars and trucks. These eight vehicles, which cost under $20,000, have flat-towing manufacturer approval.
The manufacturer only approves models with manual transmissions for recreational towing. Never go faster than 70 mph when towing.
The manufacturer only approves models with manual transmissions for recreational towing.
In our list of the Top 10 Most Popular Dinghy Vehicles, the FIT came in at number eight and is inexpensive. Flat towing is permitted by the manufacturer for models with manual transmissions.
Remember: Before making a purchase, always confirm with the manufacturer that the vehicle you’re contemplating is authorized for dinghy towing.
See our Best 2018 Models for Dinghy Towing for a more in-depth look at flat-towable cars.
In This Article...
Can you flat tow a 2018 Honda Fit?
I really do! Hondas are my favorite cars, even though I am aware of how difficult they are to drive. This inquiry is not sponsored.
I appreciate your support. It’s helpful to have someone to consult because everything is so intricate.
Expert Reaction:
The 2018 Honda Fit owner’s manual I checked up online mentions on page 89 that a “continuously variable gearbox” (automatic) cannot be flat towed but a manual can. You can flat tow if your sport edition is a manual; just make sure to adhere to any special instructions in your owner’s manual.
A base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, an additional braking system, and maybe a high-low adaptor are required for a full flat towing arrangement. I advise using the Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar # BX7380 and the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX2266. The Alpha tow bar is rated at 6,500 lbs, which is more than enough to tow the vehicle, and it comes with safety wires. The base plate kit is specifically designed for your Honda Fit.
The Flexco-Coil Wiring Kit #RM-15267 is the wiring that I advise utilizing. Once this is set up, all you need to do is connect the Fit’s coiled cable to your RV, and you’re ready to go! Another feature of this kit that I enjoy is the ability to install the Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25 and prevent battery depletion by connecting it to the center pin on your battery.
Before flat towing your car, you might need to remove a few fuses. If so, a fuse bypass should also be installed to make life much simpler. Use part number RM76512 if you have an ATM fuse; if not, use part number RM76511.
The SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251 is the brake system I choose to endorse. Since it is permanently installed inside your car, you won’t even realize it there after the initial installation, and setting it up before a tow will be simple. Simply attach the breakaway kit, and then turn the device on! You must additionally install the Brake-Lite Relay Kit # RM-88400 if you want to ensure that your Fit’s tail lights function properly when flat towing.
For the tow bar to stay level during towing, the majority of flat towing systems call for a high-low adaptor. I’ve provided links to both our collection of adapters and an article that can assist you in choosing the right one for your needs.
Can any Hondas be flat-towed?
Honda Civic The good news is that you’re driving the most exciting form of Honda’s mid-sizer thanks to its available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is rated at an amazing 252 horsepower. Only the Accord Sport with the manual transmission can be flat towed.
A 2007 Honda Fit automatic can flat tow.
You can flat tow a 2007 Honda Fit Sport with a manual transmission behind an RV. You would have to begin with a base plate kit, such as part number 521558-1, which is a known fit.
To flat tow your vehicle, you will also want the base plates, an appropriate tow bar, safety wires, illumination, and additional braking. The Falcon 2, model number RM-520, is the most popular compatible tow bar. You can use # RM-643 to purchase safety cables. The cables are kept off the ground thanks to the coiled design.
You can utilize the diode kit, # RM-15267, for lighting without worrying about removing the taillight housing. By splicing this into your taillight wire, your tow vehicle will be able to control the towed vehicle’s taillight assemblies. This includes enough coiled wire to connect from the front of your towed car to the RV as well as a round 6-way connector.
Finally, the vehicle being flat-towed must now have additional braking, as required by the majority of states. The Blue Ox Patriot # BRK2019, which applies the brakes in accordance to how much the tow vehicle is braking, is the simplest system to set up and use. The two vehicles will endure less damage and are stopped in the safest manner possible.
For the tow bar to be level when flat towing, you’ll probably also need a high low adaptor. I provided a link to a page listing every one we stock.
I’ve provided you with a few useful links to our posts on flat towing. For detailed instructions on flat towing your car, make sure to refer to the owner’s manual.
Can you flat tow a 2013 Honda Fit automatic?
I purchased a new one, which I was assured could be towed four down. No, the owner’s handbook states. It’s towable according to FMCA. Comments are welcome.
I have a copy of the 2013 Honda Fit Owners Manual, which I acquired online, and it specifies that both Fit models with manual and automatic transmissions can be towed behind a motorhome AS LONG AS THE EXACT PROCEDURE SHOWN IS OBSERVED. Do a Google search for “2013 Honda Fit Owners Manual” to discover this information. Because they are quite particular and must be followed to the letter, the instructions should be read entirely and carefully to avoid damaging your Fit’s drivetrain.
The 2013 Fit may be flat towed, according to numerous references I found while browsing various internet forums.
Base plates that have been installed on the vehicle, a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution so the Fit’s taillights work in tandem with the RV’s, an additional braking system, and possibly a high/low adapter and an electrical umbilical to connect the RV and the Fit are all necessary when flat towing a vehicle.
I would suggest the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part number RM-520, and their base plates, part number 521190-1. Even if the vehicle isn’t exactly aligned with the RV, the Falcon 2 tow bar’s simple operation and auto locking and centering arms make attaching the vehicle to the RV simple. I’d use item number RM-643 for safety cables. The foundation plates will be about 16-1/2 inches off the ground once they are placed. The base plate height and the receiver height of the RV should be within three inches, plus or minus, of being level, for safety’s sake. If you need to elevate or lower the connection to get it to within three inches of level, I’ll provide you a link to our assortment of high-low adapters.
You might use a magnetic mount towing lamp system, such as the Roadmaster # RM-2120, which is very simple to install and take apart, for wiring. Use Hopkins # HM56302 for a more durable but still very simple to install fix. Because it is a plug-and-play harness, installation won’t involve any cutting or splicing.
I particularly appreciate the Blue Ox Patriot ll, part number BRK2019, as a brake system. It only takes a few seconds to quickly install and remove this portable system, which eliminates the need for an involved and costly installation process. If the brake lights on your Fit glow when you press the brake pedal with the engine off, you might also require a brake light relay, part # RM-88400.
I’ve provided links to numerous of our flat towing FAQ articles as well as installation videos for the majority of the devices I’ve suggested.