Equipment Needed to Flat Tow a 2013 Toyota Tacoma X Runner
Question:
We are buying a 2013 Toyota Xrunner and want to make sure we have all the necessary parts needed and if there are any special instructions thank you in advance Alan
asked by: Alan G
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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6500 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit with Bulbs
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Bulb and Socket Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
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on Base Plates
