If you own a motorhome and want the freedom to explore once you reach your destination, flat towing a vehicle behind your RV is one of the smartest setups you can have. But doing it safely means you need the right equipment and a professional installation team you can trust.
This guide covers everything you need to know about RV flat towing in Arizona, including base plates, tow bars, auxiliary braking systems, and why drivers across the state rely on Quality Bumper to get it done right.
What Is RV Flat Towing?
Flat towing, also called dinghy towing, is the process of pulling a vehicle behind your motorhome with all four wheels on the ground. There are no trailers to haul, no tow dollies to load, and no added bulk to manage at your campsite. When you arrive at your destination, you simply unhook your car or SUV and drive wherever you need to go.
It is one of the most popular options for full-time RVers and weekend adventurers alike. But to do it safely, your towed vehicle needs a proper base plate and towing system installed by professionals who know what they are doing.
What Is a Base Plate and Why Do You Need One?
A base plate is a custom-engineered mounting system that bolts directly into the frame of your towed vehicle. It gives the tow bar a solid, stable connection point and serves as the foundation of your entire flat towing setup.
Every vehicle frame is built differently, which is why base plates are designed to match your exact make and model. At Quality Bumper, we primarily install Blue Ox base plates. They require no welding, sit hidden beneath the vehicle body, and most models include removable attachment tabs so the front of your car looks completely stock when you are not towing.
Choosing the Right Towing Equipment
Getting the right gear is just as important as the installation itself. At Quality Bumper, we carry the industry’s most trusted brands so you can hit the road with confidence.
Tow Bars
Once your base plate is in, you need a tow bar to connect your vehicle to the RV hitch. The Blue Ox Alpha handles vehicles up to 6,500 pounds and weighs just 37 pounds with an easy-release locking handle for quick hookups. For heavier vehicles, the Blue Ox Avail Class IV is rated up to 10,000 pounds and features a ball-in-socket design that reduces wear and smooths out rough road towing. We also carry the Curt Rambler Steel Tow Bar, rated for 7,500 pounds with active slide resistance for added control.
Auxiliary Braking Systems
When you add a towed vehicle to your motorhome, your stopping distance increases significantly. That is why an auxiliary braking system is not optional. We install the Patriot Brake System by Blue Ox, a compact all-electric controller that mounts on your dash and replicates natural foot pressure for smooth, proportional stops. It weighs just 6.2 pounds and delivers consistent braking performance every time.
We also handle all the custom electrical wiring, harnesses, and integrated block diodes needed to keep your taillights, brake lights, and turn signals working flawlessly without interfering with your vehicle’s electronics.
Why Quality Bumper Is Arizona’s #1 Base Plate Installer
Installing a base plate involves disassembling the front end of your vehicle, drilling and sleeving mounting holes, securing the plate to the chassis, and wiring all the electrical components correctly. It is not a weekend project, and the stakes are too high to cut corners.
Quality Bumper has been Arizona’s towing expert since 1968. We complete hundreds of base plate installations every year, and RV dealers across the state send their customers directly to us because they trust us to get it done right. We handle the full setup under one roof, from the base plate and tow bar to the safety cables and braking system, so you do not have to bounce between multiple shops.
Before you leave, our team walks you through the entire system so you feel confident about every connection. And every installation is backed by a lifetime warranty on our workmanship.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Quality Bumper has four locations across Arizona in Phoenix, Mesa, Peoria, and Tucson. Walk-ins are always welcome, or give us a call to schedule an appointment. Let our team set you up with the right base plate, tow bar, and braking system so your next adventure starts with total peace of mind.