Equipment Needed to Flat Tow a 2013 Toyota Tacoma X Runner  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

I did some research, and found that Toyota states that the Tacoma shouldn't be flat towed. There are aftermarket lube pumps that can be installed to keep the transmission lubricated during towing, but they aren't anything we carry. You'd need to do a Google search to find that item, and obviously using the lube pump would void your vehicle warranty.

If you decide to flat tow the vehicle, you'd need a towbar, a base plate kit, safety cables, a wiring solution and a supplemental braking system.

For base plates, the Blue Ox # BX3763 would be recommended. Blue Ox base plates are well engineered to be very easy to use.

I'd recommend using the Blue Ox Alpha tow bar, part # BX7380. The Alpha is an easy to use towbar that features auto aligning arms that will extend and lock into place. The beauty of this feature is that you will not need to ensure the vehicle is perfectly centered behind the motorhome. The towbar includes safety cables.

For a lighting solution, I'd recommend either using Roadmaster # RM-2120. This kit is very easy to use, and doesn't require modification to the vehicle. Another more permanent solution would be the Roadmaster Bulb and Socket Kit, part # RM-155. The bulbs would actually install into the vehicle's taillight assemblies. Both choices are easy to use, and allow the tow wiring to remain completely independent from the wiring of the vehicle. You won't need to cut or splice anything into the existing wiring.

For a supplemental braking system, I'd recommend the Blue Ox Patriot part # BLU37TR. The system installs in seconds, instead of the long and expensive installations necessary for other supplemental braking systems.

I'll link you to several FAQ articles about flat towing. I hope you'll find them helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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