Recommended Flat Towing Equipment For A 2004 Nissan Xterra 4x4

Updated 09/20/2021 | Published 09/19/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2125)

$670.00

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

(372)

$551.46

Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(314)

$1488.91

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

(3186)

$179.96

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(401)

$850.00

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar for Blue Ox Base Plates - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(401)

$850.00

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

(656)

$70.97

Question:

I am looking to flat tow a 2004 Nissan Xterra 4 x 4 with a 5-speed manual. The C Class RV I purchased came with a Roadmaster2 tow bar and a breaking set up that the previous owner had used on their Jeep so what it looks like all I need is a base plate. Is there any other parts or procedures that I should know about? I was thinking putting the transfer case into neutral the shifter into neutral.

asked by: Aaron W

Helpful Expert Reply:

According to the online manual for a 2004 Nissan Xterra an automatic transmission will require a tow dolly to haul but a manual transmission can be flat towed if you follow the specific guidelines it states. To flat tow your vehicle you'll need a tow bar, base plate, tow bar wiring kit, braking system, and safety cables. I have the following recommendations listed for you below:

Tow Bar: Based on what you've said you most likely have the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - Motorhome Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000lbs # RM-520. Falcon 2 does come in another model that's compatible with Blue Ox base plates # RM-525. The large hookup radius of these tow bars make connecting a breeze at any angle, even if your vehicle isn't perfectly lined up with your RV.

Base Plate: Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # 327-3. These base plates will connect to your Roadmaster tow bar with out needing an adapter and the removable arms will provide a clean look when not in use. If you have the # RM-525 then you'll want the # BX1825 instead to avoid needing an adapter.

Tow Bar Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This diode kit allows you to use your Nissan Xterra's tail lights and wiring system while preventing feedback from your RV and comes with everything you need including a 7-wire to 6-wire Flexo-Coil electrical cord.

Braking System: Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System # HM39524. This system offers intense, emergency braking or steady, smooth braking in a single portable system. Easily switch between proportional or full braking with the remote conveniently from your RV. The included charge line kit will keep your Xterra's battery charged while you tow so you don't arrive at your destination with a dead battery.

Safety Cables: RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000lbs # RM-643. The coiled design will help prevent the cables from dragging on the ground and being damaged.

You might also need a high/low adapter to keep your tow bar level while you tow your Xterra. This will require you to do some measuring so I've attached our help guide article to assist you in this process.