Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2012 Scion xB Behind and RV

Question

Question:

To flat tow your 2012 Scion xB behind an RV you will need the base plates and tow bar like you mentioned as well as safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. For a tow bar compatible with Roadmaster base plates # 1187-1A (with arm height at approximately 13 inches) I recommend the Falcon 2 # RM-520. This tow bar makes hooking up and disconnecting easier when you are not on perfectly level ground or straight. I have linked a video review for you. The video explains how the tow bar attaches to the base plate arms. The crossbar is needed. For cables I recommend coiled cables # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For lighting there are different options. You could use a simple magnetic kit such as # C-ATL20A. Or, for a more permanent solution the 6-diode kit # 154-792-118158 is the way to go. The magnetic kits are less expensive but you have to set it up every time. The diode kit costs more but once installed you won't have to set it up again. You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry. And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest 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.

asked by: Tom

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

To flat tow your 2012 Scion xB behind an RV you will need the base plates and tow bar like you mentioned as well as safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking.

For a tow bar compatible with Roadmaster base plates # 1187-1A (with arm height at approximately 13 inches) I recommend the Falcon 2 # RM-520. This tow bar makes hooking up and disconnecting easier when you are not on perfectly level ground or straight. I have linked a video review for you. The video explains how the tow bar attaches to the base plate arms. The crossbar is needed.

For cables I recommend coiled cables # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.

For lighting there are different options. You could use a simple magnetic kit such as # RM-2120. Or, for a more permanent solution the 6-diode kit # 154-792-118158 is the way to go. The magnetic kits are less expensive but you have to set it up every time. The diode kit costs more but once installed you won't have to set it up again.

You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest 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.

expert reply by: Michael H

1

Tom

9/24/2017

To flat tow your 2012 Scion xB behind an RV you will need the base plates and tow bar like you mentioned as well as safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. For a tow bar compatible with Roadmaster base plates # 1187-1A (with arm height at approximately 13 inches) I recommend the Falcon 2 # RM-520. This tow bar makes hooking up and disconnecting easier when you are not on perfectly level ground or straight. I have linked a video review for you. The video explains how the tow bar attaches to the base plate arms. The crossbar is needed. For cables I recommend coiled cables # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For lighting there are different options. You could use a simple magnetic kit such as # C-ATL20A. Or, for a more permanent solution the 6-diode kit # 154-792-118158 is the way to go. The magnetic kits are less expensive but you have to set it up every time. The diode kit costs more but once installed you won't have to set it up again. You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry. And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest 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.

Michael H.

9/25/2017

Yes! You can use the MX base plates # 1187-3A on your 2012 Scion xB with the Falcon 2 tow bar # RM-520 without the need of an adapter. On the MS and MX style base plates the Falcon 2 will connect directly to the base plate mounting brackets with the base pins and linch pins. It is covered in the Falcon 2 instructions which I have linked for reference.