Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 1998 Toyota RAV4 Behind a Class A Motor Home
Published 06/04/2015
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
What all parts are required for both vehicles to flat-tow safely?: Class A motorhome towing: 1998 Toyota RAV4 Manual 5-Speed 4-cyl. 2WD Front wheel drive 4-door? Thank you!
asked by: Travis K
Expert Reply:
To flat tow a vehicle you will need base plates on the vehicle, a tow bar that goes between the RV and vehicle, safety cables (in case the vehicle becomes disconnected from the RV), lighting, and supplemental braking. The RV will need to have a trailer hitch and it and the RV will need to be rated high enough for the gross weight of the vehicle. A Class A motor home probably will not have any trouble in that regard.
First for base plates you will need # 1142-3 for your 1998 Toyota RAV4. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you. You could use the Tracker tow bar, # RM-020, as long as the gross weight of the RAV4 does not exceed 5,000 pounds. And to make the base plate arms easily removable you will also need quick disconnects # RM-201.
For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For lighting I recommend going with a simple magnetic kit such as # RM-2120 because it is easy to set up and use and you will not have to cut into the vehicle wiring to use it.
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 vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the RV is braking. This is the easiest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.
Be sure to consult your vehicle 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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Coupler Mount
- Fixed - Binding
- Steel
- 5000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates
- Stores Separately
- Cables Not Included
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: tow bar base plate
- Search Results: flat tow brake system
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Video:
- Shop: Replacement Roadmaster Tow Bar Quick Disconnect Kit
- Shop: Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs
- Shop: Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Shop: RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Shop: Curt RVibrake Shadow 2 Flat Tow Brake System - Wireless Monitor - Proportional - Fixed
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Shop: Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: base plate for tow bar
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Which is Better Roadmaster or Blue Ox Tow Bar
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Video: Comparing Portable Flat Tow Braking Systems - Curt RVi and Blue Ox Patriot
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
on Tow Bar
