What Will I Need To Flat Tow a Toyota RAV4 Behind a 2008 Volvo Semi Truck

Updated 04/07/2014 | Published 04/05/2014

Products Featured in This Question

16 Gauge, 4 Conductor Bonded Parallel Wire - Per Foot

(237)

$2.47

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4916)

$608.95

Pollak Heavy-Duty, 7-Pole, Round Pin, Trailer Wiring Connector - Trailer End

(124)

$20.64

Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(57)

$1930.00

Question:

what i need ?

asked by: Giancarlo

Helpful Expert Reply:

Assuming that your 2008 Volvo semi truck has a reinforced utility bumper, I recommend installing the Bolt-On Pintle Hook, # C48210. This hook has a gross tow rating of 20,000 pounds and can be directly bolted to the bumper.

In order to tow your 2008 Toyota RAV4 you will need a few different items starting with the Blue Ox Allure Pintle Style Tow Bar, # BX7460P. This heavy-duty tow bar allows you to safely and securely tow a vehicle up to 10,000 pounds.

The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BX3770, is custom designed to fit your RAV4. Simple installation with no welding required, this kit provides the attachment points needed to use the tow bar.

The Tow Ready Diode System, part # TR118821, splices into the RAV4 tail light wiring harness quickly and easily to give the 4 way plug needed to allow your vehicle to accept the towing vehicle's tail, brake, and turn signals when flat towing.

To make the electrical connection from the semi to the RAV4, a wire will need to be created that spans the distance from the back of the cab on the truck to the front of the RAV4. # 18002 gives you 60 inches of wire with the 4 way plug needed to attach to the front of the towed vehicle. Additional wire will be needed in order to reach the back of the cab. Bonded 4 Wire, # 16-4B-1, is sold by the foot so a quick measurement should give you an idea of how much additional wire you will need. Keep in mind when measuring for additional that 60 inches come with the 4 way. The Pollak Heavy-Duty, 7-Pole, Round Pin Wiring Connector, # PK11700, will be used on the other end of the wire in order to connect to the semi's 7 pole socket.

A braking system is required when flat towing a vehicle. My recommendation would be for the Roadmaster Even Brake System, # RM-9400. Inertia-activated proportional braking offers quicker, safer stops, and less wear and tear on the tow and towed vehicle. The monitor lets you know Even Brake is working properly and notifies you when towed car's battery voltage is low.

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