Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 1996 Nissan Pickup Truck Behind a Motor Home

Updated 02/17/2015 | Published 02/16/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(392)

$850.00

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2099)

$670.00

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

(170)

$670.00

Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs

(81)

$335.00

Replacement Roadmaster Tow Bar Quick Disconnect Kit

(47)

$80.13

Roadmaster Universal Magnetic Tow Lights with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(43)

$82.04

Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(56)

$1930.00

Question:

What tow bar do you recommend and what parts are needed? Ill be towing it behind a motor home.

asked by: Steve H

Expert Reply:

To flat tow a vehicle behind a motor home you will need base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking.

For a 1996 Nissan Pickup there are several base plates available. For a 2 or 4 wheel drive model you can use fixed base plates # 317-2 and they will always be visible at the front of the vehicle. Or you could use removable base plates # 317-1 and once the arms are removed they will be basically invisible.

Either base plate set will be compatible with all Roadmaster tow bars. The most popular tow bar option is the Falcon 2, # RM-520. If you are looking for something more economical you could use the Tracker # RM-020. If you go with the Tracker tow bar and the removable base plates then you would also need quick disconnects # RM-201 to make the removable arms easily removable.

For safety cables I recommend # RM-643. The coiled design helps keeps the cables off of the ground. For lighting, a simple, inexpensive, and easy solution is to use a magnetic light kit # RM-2120.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the easiest systems to set up and use is the Even Brake proportional system # RM-9400. It will apply the truck brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the easiest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

Be sure to consult your truck owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.