Parts Needed To Flat Tow A 1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5

Updated 04/20/2021 | Published 04/16/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,000 lbs

(158)

$1375.00

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2160)

$575.00

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Wireless Monitor - Proportional

(791)

$1425.00

Adapter for Jeep D-Ring Bumper Mounts to Roadmaster Motor Home Mount Tow Bars - 3/4" Thick

(596)

$124.60

Adapter for Jeep D-Ring Bumper Mounts to Roadmaster Motor Home Mount Tow Bars - 1" Thick

(596)

$137.27

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Straight Adapter Cord

(3358)

$191.05

Question:

I have a stock 1999 4Runner SR5 that Im going to set up as my Toad Vehicle, and Im confused with all the current options available. Im pulling this behind a F350 Dually, with the Superhitch/Supertruss I purchased from you a couple years back. I currently have a drive line disconnect being built so that parts taken care of. I want to put a Shrockworks bumper on the unit and add a 2inch of lift. Ive contacted Shrockworks, and Im out 4+ months on the bumper so thats going to have to wait as I need to pull this vehicle sooner. Im going to keep the vehicle stock for now, and until I can afford the upgrades. Sounds like I can use the Roadmaster 035-1 adapters on the bumper once its installed, but want to make sure I get the correct stuff to pull it now and then. My goal is to purchase all the towing items now, and limit whatever items wont be needed once the bumper is purchased down the road. Ive been looking at the Roadmaster Sterling or Blackhawk model tow bars for starters. Figuring at least 7500 lbs of towing capacity for the 4Runner and loaded gear. Will these work with the bumper, and in the interim before I get the bumper using included or optional base plates adapters? Is one model or the other a better choice, or is there an even better choice? Totally not sure about the braking system option that would be best. I like the Stay-in-play option if my year vehicle has a vacuum booster which I believe it does. Going to check today. Not real sure on the best wiring option either at this point. The more plug and play the better. If any of you can help me decide what the best options might be for my described application it will be greatly appreciated! Thanks,

asked by: Glenn S

Helpful Expert Reply:

Sounds like you are putting together a fun vehicle. I recommend checking the GVW of your SupperTruss hitch to make sure it is capable of handling the weight of the 4Runner. If it is capable of towing your 1999 Toyota 4Runner I recommend the following items:

Item # 1148-3 is a simple bolt on base plate that can be removed when your new bumper is added. This base plate works with 2wd and 4wd models. The cross bar brackets can be removed when not in use.

Item # RM-576 is the Sterling all terrain tow bar which has an 8,000lb tow capacity so it should be more than enough for your 4Runner even after it has been lifted and the extra weight has been added. This is a non binding tow bar. It comes with the cross bar which attaches to the brackets on the base plate. Each arm has channels that allow you to run your umbilical cord and safety cables through to keep them off the ground. Safety cables are included with the tow bar.

Item # RM-035-1 are the D-Ring adapters that are compatible with the Sterling Tow bar. You would simply remove the bracket at the end of each arm on the tow bar and bolt these in place. These fit 1" thick shackle mounts. If your new bumper has 3/4" shackle mounts then you would want to go with Item # RM-035. I would make sure that the bumper you are going to be adding is capable of flat towing a vehicle. Not all after market bumpers with shackles have been tested and approved for flat towing.

Item # RM-152-98146-7 is diode wiring. This kit is not difficult to install and once it is installed you don't have to do anything accept plug the umbilical in between the two vehicles when your ready to tow. The kit comes with everything needed including the umbilical that works with the Sterling tow bar channels. The diodes connect to factory wiring behind each taillight and protect the factory wiring if there is ever a short somewhere in the wiring.

Item # DM86VR which is the stay-n-play. This is a more permanent instillation. It is a proportional system that comes with the coach link monitor so you know when the brakes are being applied in the towed vehicle.

The only thing that would need to be changed when you add your new bumper is the tow bar end brackets to the D-link adapters and remove the baseplate.