A Complete Guide to Blue Ox Flat Towing Products
Flat towing (also known as "dinghy towing", toad towing", "four wheels down towing" or "four-down towing") is the practice of towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground using a tow bar behind a motorhome. This method allows RV owners to have a convenient mode of transportation once they've reached their destination without having to break camp. And let's face it, trying to maneuver a large motorhome at most tourist destinations is not a fun experience.
A complete flat towing system consists of several key components:
Not sure which products are right for your setup? Check out our Blue Ox Product Selector Guide to find the perfect combination for your vehicle and towing needs.
Blue Ox is an industry leader in towing products, with over 50 years of experience. Their tow bars are known for quality, durability, and ease of use. Blue Ox offers four main tow bar models to accommodate various vehicles and towing needs:
Weight Rating: 15,000 lbs
Receiver Size: Available for 2.5" receivers
Construction: All steel
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Best For: Larger vehicles including 3/4 and 1-ton pickups and SUVs
Features: Non-binding latches that disconnect easily even in rugged terrain, rubber boots to protect from dirt and debris
Product Number: BX7470 (2" receiver), BX7475 (2.5" receiver)
Weight Rating: 10,000 lbs
Receiver Size: Available for 2" and 2.5" receivers
Best For: Wide variety of vehicles from larger cars to 1/2 ton pickups and SUVs
Features: Same non-binding latches and protection as the Apollo, suitable for most common towing needs
Product Number: BX7445 (2" receiver), BX7440 (2.5" receiver)
Weight Rating: 7,500 lbs
Construction: Lightweight aluminum
Best For: Smaller cars and SUVs
Features: Lighter weight makes it easier to handle while maintaining Blue Ox quality and reliability
Product Number: BX7425 (2" receiver), BX7420 (2.5" receiver)
Weight Rating: 6,500 lbs
Receiver Size: 2" receiver
Construction: Steel
Best For: Compact cars and small SUVs
Features: Self-aligning with auto-locking arms, Class III tow bar, economical choice for lighter vehicles
Product Number: BX7380
Baseplates are custom-designed brackets that attach to the front of your towed vehicle's frame, providing connection points for the tow bar. Blue Ox baseplates are engineered for specific vehicle models to ensure proper fit and function.
Since baseplates are vehicle-specific, you'll need to select the correct one for your particular vehicle. Blue Ox provides a comprehensive vehicle lookup tool on their website to find the compatible baseplate for your specific make, model, and year.
Supplemental braking systems apply the brakes in your towed vehicle when you brake in your motorhome. These systems are essential for safety and are required by law in 49 states and Canada (with varying weight requirements).
The Patriot is Blue Ox's premier supplemental braking system, designed to provide proportional braking for flat-towed vehicles.
Important: Supplemental braking systems are required by law in 49 states and Canada. Fines for non-compliance can be significant, and more importantly, they are critical for safe towing.
To complete your flat towing setup, several accessories are necessary or highly recommended:
Not all vehicles can be flat towed. The capability depends on the vehicle's transmission, drivetrain, and manufacturer specifications.
While installation costs can be significant, proper setup is crucial for safety and to protect your vehicles from damage.
Correct setup and operation are essential for safe towing and to prevent damage to your vehicles.
NEVER back up with the towed vehicle attached. This can cause significant damage to both vehicles and the towing equipment.
No. Only certain vehicles are designed to be flat towed. Always check your owner's manual or with the manufacturer to confirm if your specific vehicle model can be flat towed.
Yes. Supplemental braking systems are not only essential for safety but are required by law in 49 states and Canada. They reduce stopping distance, decrease wear on your motorhome's brakes, and prevent damage to your tow bar.
A complete setup typically costs between $7,000-$10,000 including all necessary components and professional installation. The exact cost depends on your specific vehicle and the components selected.
Select a tow bar based on the weight of your towed vehicle. The Apollo (15,000 lbs), Avail (10,000 lbs), or Ascent (7,500 lbs) will cover most towing needs. Always choose a tow bar rated higher than your vehicle's weight.
Blue Ox designs vehicle-specific baseplates for many makes and models, but not all vehicles have a compatible baseplate. Check Blue Ox's website or contact a dealer to confirm availability for your specific vehicle.
The Patriot works with most vehicles but has some limitations. For example, it's not compatible with the Fiat 500 due to its round brake pedal design. Always verify compatibility before purchasing.
Inspect all components before each trip. Additionally, perform a more thorough inspection seasonally, checking for wear, proper function, and any needed lubrication.
Blue Ox products are designed for durability with minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning, proper storage (using covers when appropriate), and periodic inspection of all connections and moving parts are recommended.
With proper care, Blue Ox towing products can last many years. Baseplates and tow bars come with a three-year limited warranty, but many users report much longer service lives with proper maintenance.
Choose the appropriate tow bar based on your towed vehicle's weight and your motorhome's receiver size.
Baseplates are vehicle-specific and must be selected based on your exact vehicle make, model, and year. Use this decision tree to determine your baseplate needs: