Installation of Roadmaster MX or XL Base Plate On 2005 Nissan Xterra, and Parts Needed to Flat Tow

Question:

Do you know if either the 344-1B or 344-3B brackets require any drilling of holes in the frame? Will the rm-155 wiring harness work for me on our 2005 Nissan Xterra?

asked by: Rick L

Expert Reply:

No drilling is required to mount the Roadmaster MX Base Plate # RM-344-3B. To mount the XL Base Plate # 344-1B, a 1/2 inch hole will need to be drilled through the bumper core on each side. You will then use a 1/2 inch x 4-1/2 inch bolt, lock washer, and nut through the hole.

I have attached the installation instructions for both sets of base plates for you. The instructions for the Nissa Xterra begin on page 13 for both the XL and MX instructions.

The Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit with Bulbs # RM-155 will work great for your Xterra. This wiring setup will avoid your vehicle's factory wiring system. Roadmaster has determined that there is enough room in the taillight housing to fit the bulb and socket. I have attached an installation video of this kit on a Frontier for you.

Other componenets needed to flat tow your 2005 Nissan Xterra are a tow bar, safety cables, and a supplemental braking system. Likely you will also need a wiring extension to reach from the motor home to the Xterra, as well as a high low adapter to be able to tow your Xterra level.

The tow bar I recommend for you is the Roadmaster Falcon Tow Bar # RM-520. This tow bar will work great for you with either the MX or XL base plate. The MX baseplates require a hitch mount tow bar like the Falcon. With this style tow bar, the bar will store on the RV rather than the vehicle. I have attached a review video of this tow bar.

The Roadmaster Single Hook Coiled Safety Cables # RM-643 are a great choice for safety cables. The coiled feature will help keep the cables off the ground. I have also attached a review video of these cables.

The supplemental braking system I recommend is the Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. It installs in the Xterra and doesn't need to be remobed even when you're driving it.

You will find the product pages for wiring extensions and high low adapters linked. I have also linked a help article on flat towing for you.