Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2002 Toyota 4Runner Behind Thor Ace Motor Coach

Updated 06/21/2018 | Published 06/19/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

(374)

$499.75

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(399)

$1489.90

Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs

(454)

$706.08

Roadmaster High-Low Adapter - 2" Hitches - 10-1/4" Rise/Drop - 10K GTW, 400 lbs TW

(1573)

$220.74

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(759)

$1175.00

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

(200)

$61.88

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

(200)

$64.38

Question:

Needing help picking a flat towing tow bar and bracket with wiring kit. Tow vehicle is 2002 Toyota 4 runner 4x4. 2016 Thor ace 30.2 is the pulling vehicle. Looking at the blue ox. Least expensive route please. But safest.

asked by: Robert B

Expert Reply:

A complete flat-towing setup requires a number of items and we can help you with all of them. The flat towing overview article I linked for you covers each needed part. I'll try to find you the most cost-effective options that will be safe and legal.

For a base plate for the 2002 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 I suggest the Blue Ox kit # BX3736. This will directly accept their Alpha tow bar # BX7380 which includes the required safety cables, saving you that separate expense. For a lighting kit I suggest inexpensive magnetic lights like # TL21RK or # TLL21RK which are easy to install. All the available types of lighting/wiring kits are shown on a linked page.

For a braking system for the 4Runner you have several products to choose from, shown on another linked page, but there is not a whole lot of difference in price. Some, like the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251, require a fairly involved installation but it is one-time installation. In contrast, a product such as the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR will install simply since it features wireless operation and it can be moved to your next towed vehicle since it is also fully portable. This is the unit I recommend and for the reasons noted above.

The last item you'll need is a high/low hitch adapter like # RM-048-10 which is often required to keep the connected tow bar level. It is important that the tow bar be no more than 3-inches above or below dead-level on either end to ensure it operates without binding.

I know this is a lot to digest so please feel free to send along any other questions or concerns.