Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 1998 Toyota Tacoma 4X4

Updated 11/20/2024 | Published 06/26/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2160)

$575.00

Replacement Quick Disconnect Crossbar Assembly for Roadmaster Tow Bars

(318)

$134.90

Roadmaster Universal Magnetic Tow Lights with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(44)

$85.43

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

(666)

$61.90

12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps

(358)

$37.43

Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(57)

$1930.00

Question:

My father passed away and left me a 37 ft Pace Arrow with an Eagle 5000 tow bar. What do I need to tow a 1998 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 5 speed. Tow bar serial no. 3742

asked by: Joe H

Helpful Expert Reply:

I am sorry to hear about your father. It is typically okay to flat tow pickup trucks with manual transmissions, however, the best way to determine if your 1998 Toyota Tacoma can be flat towed is to check your owners manual under the towing section or by contacting your local Toyota dealer with your VIN. I did some research on your truck and found a few owners manuals that say not to tow the Tacoma, but I was not able to locate one for your 1998 Tacoma.

Another reason to consult your owners manual or Toyota directly is because even if your vehicle is capable of being flat towed, there may be specific procedures or limitations that Toyota has when flat towing.

If you find that your Tacoma can be flat towed, then there are 5 basic components needed to flat tow a vehicle. You will need a base plate kit, tow bar, tail light wiring kit, safety cables and a supplemental braking system.

The base plate kit that I recommend is the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit, # 1148-1. This base plate kit is compatible with your Roadmaster Eagle 5000 tow bar. If you no longer have the crossbar assembly for your Eagle 5000 tow bar, then you can use the Quick Disconnect Base Assembly, # 910021-00, as a replacement.

The next items that you will need are safety cables and a tail light wiring kit. For safety cables, I recommend the Roadmaster 6,000 lbs Safety Cables, # RM-643. For a wiring kit, I recommend the Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights, # RM-2120.

The final item that you will need is a supplemental braking system. Most states require the use of a braking system when flat towing. For your Tacoma, I recommend the Roadmaster Even Brake, # RM-9400. This system is easy to set up and use. It is also a proportional braking system that will apply the same braking intensity to your Tacoma as you are applying to your RV. Please note, this system requires 15 amps of power, so I recommend picking up the Roadmaster 12 Volt Outlet Kit, # RM-9332, to connect the braking system directly to the vehicle battery.

If you are new to flat towing, I have attached a few FAQ articles with additional information for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H

Chuck G.

10/25/2024

I just read your Expert reply by John H to Joe H's question on towing his 1998 4x4, 5 spd manual Tacoma, I have the same exact truck and I already have your Roadmaster 1148-1 Towbar Mounting Kit. Need advice on which Tow Bar to get. I'm unclear about non-binding vs others and I want to make it as simple to connect/disconnect as possible. Only the main frame bolted on parts of the '1148-1' are left on the Tacoma after disconnecting, correct? I have a storage compartment under the entire rear of my Class C but a tow bar that folds or somewhat collapses would be a plus so long as I'm not sacrificing strength. What are the best choices/options still needed? Thank's, Chuck G

John H.

11/20/2024

@ChuckG A non-binding towbar is definitely the way to go if you want connecting/disconnecting to be easy, unless you can guarantee that you will be able to unhook and hook up in a straight line and on completely level ground every time. Since you already have the Roadmaster 1148-1 base plates, I'd go with the SD Non-Binding tow bar, # e44ZR. This tow bar competes in price with most of the standard (binding-susceptible) tow bars, folds against the RV when you aren't using it and is more than capable of handling your Tacoma. It also comes with safety cables mounted and quick disconnect pins at the vehicle, so you don't have to spend time turning a wrench. The tow bar will disconnect from the crossbar and baseplate mounted to your truck using pins, but you can also remove the crossbar and baseplate draw bar from your truck for a factory look. Check out the video I attached for you.

Helpful Links

tv-review-etrailer-sd-tow-bar-e34zr.aspx