Parts Needed for Flat Towing 2010 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4WD

Updated 03/21/2015 | Published 03/20/2015

Products Featured in This Question

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

(82)

$335.00

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(456)

$1404.09

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4860)

$513.48

Blue Ox Alpha Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,500 lbs

(474)

$1079.00

Roadmaster Bulb and Socket Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - Incandescent

(442)

$84.02

Question:

What all do I need to tow my 2010 Toyota Tacoma TRD behind my motorhome. It does have 4 wheel drive electronic control not manual. The factory sticker says GVW 5450 lbs.. Thank You

asked by: Jim B

Helpful Expert Reply:

According to my research, the 4WD system of your vehicle prevents it from easily being flat towed. If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, a transmission lube pump would be needed. For manual transmission vehicles, you'd need a driveshaft disconnect, neither of which we offer. Additionally, Toyota specifically prohibits flat towing the vehicle on page 226 of the owner's manual. Plenty of folks make the modifications and flat tow the vehicle anyhow, but I wanted to warn you that doing so would almost certainly void any warranty coverage remaining on the vehicle.

To flat tow a vehicle, you'll need a tow bar, base plates, safety cables, a wiring solution and a supplemental braking system.

I'd recommend the Blue Ox Alpha Tow bar # BX7380 along with the # BX3763 base plates. I've found that the connection system used with the Blue Ox tow bar/ base plate is very well thought out and easy to use. The Alpha tow bar self aligns, making hooking up easy, even when you aren't perfectly lined up behind the RV. The safety cables are included with the tow bar.

For wiring, I'd recommend the Roadmaster Bulb and Socket Taillight Wiring Kit, part # RM-155. With this kit, you'll actually mount another bulb into your taillight assemblies. This will avoid the need to cut or splice into the taillight circuits of the vehicle, and allow the flat towing lighting system to remain completely independent of the vehicle wiring.

For a supplemental braking system, I'd recommend a portable system like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. This system doesn't require hours of install time, it installs or removes in minutes. In most states, using a supplemental braking system is required by law.