Tow Bar Recommendation For 1998 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 With Roadmaster 1148-1 base Plate

Updated 02/10/2025 | Published 10/25/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2125)

$575.00

etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plates - RV Mount - 6,000 lbs

(304)

$880.27

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

(3186)

$179.96

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

(754)

$1175.00

Question:

Apologies if this question is a duplicate Going to tow my 1998 Tacoma 4x4, 5 spd manual w/ manual locking hubs. I already have your Roadmaster 1148-1, I need advice on Tow Bar options. Non-Binding vs others, folding/collapsing storage options, strength and any other needed Tow Bar components to mate everything together. Thanks

asked by: Chuck G

Expert Reply:

Hello Chuck, thanks for reaching out. You will definitely want to go with a non-binding tow bar for flat towing your 1998 Tacoma 4x4. For that I recommend the etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plates # e44ZR. This is made specifically to go with your Roadmaster # 1148-1 crossbar style base plate. This is a very solid tow bar option. The non-binding arms make for a smooth towing experience and great maneuverability.

Here is a list of the rest of the parts I recommend for your flat tow setup:

- Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267

- Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional # SM99251

As with any flat tow vehicle you will want to check your owners manual and verify that your vehicle is indeed flat towable. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need anything else.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Chuck G.

10/25/2024

Thanks for the quick response Jesse, I looked at the #e44ZR and like it. Is there any reason to consider your e64ZR? thanks, Chuck

Jesse M.

10/25/2024

@ChuckG Honestly there really isn't. The 1998 Tacoma has a curb weight between 3345 and 3740 lbs so the 6,000 lb capacity # e44ZR is going to be plenty. You could still use the # e64ZR but the 10,500 lb capacity is just overkill and there would be no reason to pay extra for it when the lower capacity will do just fine.

Chuck G.

10/25/2024

@JesseM ,totally understand and appreciate your honest answer. This will get me connected "physically" from the Tacoma to a Tow vehicle receiver correct? If so, I'm going to order one of them today and get back to you on the additional project components as cash allows. thanks again, Chuck

Jesse M.

10/25/2024

@ChuckG Yes this will allow you to physically connect your towed vehicle to any 2" hitch receiver. It includes safety cables too. It is worth noting that the tow bar must be level. So you may need a drop hitch like part # BLU28XR to compensate for any height differences between the base plate arms and the hitch on your motorhome. Any height difference of more than 3" will require a drop hitch. Keep in mind the tow bar does have 2" of rise/drop built into the shank. Feel free to come back anytime you need anything.