HOW IT WORKS
What is Flat Towing?
Flat towing means towing your car behind your motorhome on all four of its own wheels, connected by a tow bar instead of a trailer.
Flat towing, or 'A-frame towing', means towing your car (TOAD) behind your motorhome. All four wheels on the ground, connected by an A-Frame. No trailers or tow dollies, just your motorhome towing your TOAD.
It’s the way most experienced motorhomers in the US and Australia travel, and it’s growing in NZ as the right gear becomes more available.
The three components of a flat towing setup
The Tow Bar
The tow bar attaches to the back of your motorhome and connects to brackets on the front of your towed vehicle. It’s the physical link that lets the car follow.
The Baseplate
The baseplate is the vehicle-specific bracket fitted to the front of your towed vehicle. It gives the tow bar somewhere strong and compliant to connect, without compromising the car’s crumple zone. Baseplates are fitted by approved installers and meet NZ’s Frontal Impact Rule.
The Brake System
A supplementary brake on the towed vehicle slows it in sync with the motorhome. Required by NZ transport rules in most setups. The Patriot 3 is our recommended option: portable, proportional, NZ-compliant.
How a Blue Ox Connection Works
Step by step:
- Drive your motorhome up to the towed vehicle until the tow bar lines up with the baseplate.
- Pull the tow bar arms out from the motorhome and latch them onto the baseplate. The non-binding latches click into place.
- Connect the safety cables.
- Connect the lights and the brake controller.
- Release the towed vehicle’s parking brake. Follow the manufacturer’s flat-tow instructions for your specific vehicle.
- Drive away.
Most people do this in under five minutes once they’re familiar with it.
What makes it easy for one person to do
Two things make solo connection genuinely easy:
Non-binding latches
they release under tension. So if the car isn’t perfectly aligned, the latch still pops free without binding.
Self-aligning arms
pull forward and the arms swing into position. No second person standing behind directing you in.
Common Questions
What is flat towing?
Towing your car behind your motorhome on its own four wheels, connected by a tow bar. No trailer, no platform.
What do I need to flat tow?
A tow bar (mounted on your motorhome), a vehicle-specific baseplate (fitted to your towed vehicle by an approved installer), and a supplementary brake system. Plus lights, safety cables, and an ON TOW sign.
Can I do it alone?
Yes. The non-binding latches and self-aligning arms are designed for one-person connection. Most people do it in three to five minutes once familiar.
How long does connection take?
Three to five minutes once you’re familiar with it. The first few times take longer.
What if I’m on uneven ground?
The non-binding latches release under tension, so uneven ground isn’t a problem for disconnection. Connection on uneven ground is still possible but may take an extra minute to align.