Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2003 Toyota Tacoma 4WD Manual Behind Class C Motorhome

Updated 09/21/2016 | Published 09/20/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2214)

$575.00

Roadmaster 6-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles with Separate Lighting

(63)

$173.56

RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

(679)

$73.40

Universal Magnetic Tow Lights - Red LEDs - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(212)

$69.70

Question:

Hi All....I am exploring the possibility of flat towing my 2003 Tacoma 4600 lbs.4 wheel drive manual transmission behind my 2004 Granite Ridge C class RV, E450 Super Duty chassis with 5000 lbs. rated hitch. I have a Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar that came with my RV. I need to know what I would have to purchase to make this possible. I find it odd that the couple I purchased this RV from towed a RAV 4, yet I see no signs of any braking system what so ever, is this even possible? I would like to keep this as inexpensive as possible. Please advise....Thanks.

asked by: Jeff P

Helpful Expert Reply:

Flat towing a vehicle behind a motorhome, safely and legally, requires a number of components which include the tow bar, safety cables, a wiring/lighting kit of one type or another, base plates and a braking system for the towed car, and often also a high/low hitch adapter and wiring extension. All of these items are covered in the linked article on flat towing and additional articles on braking systems and high/low adapters are linked too. I also suggest you check your Tacoma owner's manual for any guidance concerning flat towing this vehicle.

Let's start with base plates for the Tacoma. Since you have a Roadmaster tow bar I suggest using their base plates since this will avoid the complexity and expense of the adapter required to join it to another brand of base plates. You can use XL base plates # 1159-1. For safety cables use part # RM-643. These won't scratch the tow bar like chains can.

For a lighting kit you can refer to the linked page that shows options such as diode kits like # 154-792-118158 as well as easy-install magnetic light kits like # TLL21RK. Braking systems are shown on the other linked page. None of these are inexpensive, but the one I recommend is the Roadmaster Even Brake # RM-9400 for its easier installation, wireless operation and portability. It is possible that the previous owners of your tow bar had a similar braking system in their toad.

expert reply by: Adam R