Recommended Flat-Towing Components For 2014 Scion xB

Question:

I really want to flat tow my 2014 Scion XB with manual transmission. Toyota manual says not to. I spoke to dozens of people who flat tow their scion XB manual transmission in neutral never had any problems, can you advise.

asked by: Manny L

Expert Reply:

We do offer base plates designed to fit your 2014 Scion xB if it has no foglights. I do recommend you contact your dealership to see if flat-towing your Scion is allowed or what restrictions there are when towing. I actually pulled up a copy of the owner's manual and there is a second printing as of March 2014. From what I can tell the manual transmission xB can be flat-towed with all 4 wheels down.

If you find you can flat-tow your xB, there are 5 items you need to properly tow a vehicle. You will need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, lighting for the towed vehicle, and most states now require a supplemental brake system for flat-towed vehicles. I will make recommendations for each item should you find you are able to tow your Scion.

I recommend the Roadmaster MX Base Plate Kit, part # 1187-3A. These base plates are practically invisible when the drawbars are removed.

The tow bar I recommend is the RoadMaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520. This tow bar has a 6,000 lb weight capacity and will work with any Roadmaster base plates.

The safety cables I recommend are the Roadmaster 68 inch Coiled Safety Cables, part # RM-643. these cables feature a spring hook on one end and a quick-link on the other.

The light kit I recommend is the Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit, part # RM-155.

The supplemental brake system I recommend is the Roadmaster Tow Bar Braking System, part # RM-9400. Using this system means less wear and tear on your motor home and on your Scion.

Again, if your owner's manual states that you cannot flat-tow your Scion, I cannot make a recommendation to do so.

If you find that you are not able to flat tow your Scion, we do offer another option. I recommend the Roadmaster Tow Dolly, part # RM-2050-1. This tow dolly has electric brakes, and has an adjustable axle and ramps to fit almost any vehicle.

If you decide to use a tow dolly, you will need a brake controller like part # 90885. This will be installed in the cab of your motor home and activate the brakes on the tow dolly in direct proportion with the braking action in the motor home.