Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 1998 Toyota RAV4 Behind a 2004 Dodge Ram 3500 with a Truck Bed Camper
Question:
what are my options if I wanted to flat tow a 1998 toyota rav 4 behind my dodge 3500 dually diesel with a factory hitch and a camper that has a 4 ft over hang from the end of the box? The camper is using the 7pin connector right now because but I'd drop another 7pin connection at the front of the box for the camper so the hitch connection is free.
asked by: Dave B
Expert Reply:
Before flat towing your 1998 Toyota RAV4 you'll want to verify with your owner's manual or with Toyota that it can be flat towed without causing any damage to it. From my research if it has a manual transmission there isn't a problem but the automatic transmission model cannot be flat towed with all 4 wheels on the ground.
To tow the RAV4 you'll need a base plate kit, tow bar, wiring to power the lights, a braking system, and likely a high-low adapter. Plus, in your case you may need an extension on the hitch to clear the camper.
The base plate kit designed for your Toyota is the Roadmaster # 1142-3. It's a custom fit and also pairs up with any Roadmaster tow bar. The most popular being the Falcon 2 # RM-520. You'll also need safety cables like # RM-643.
With its arms fully extended the Falcon 2 measures 50 inches from the hitch pin hole to the base pin hole when connected to a tow vehicle. This might be enough to clear the camper but not by a lot. You're going to want more clearance than that for turning.
The RAV4's lights will need to work in conjunction with the Ram's. The Roadmaster Diode Kit # RM-15267 will work great for you. It includes the cord to connect the two vehicles. For the additional 7-way connector in the truck's bed for the camper you can use # HM42137.
You're required by law to use a supplemental braking system in most states. The easiest we have to install is the portable systems like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. It runs off the RAV4's 12 volt power.
Finally, you'll likely need a high-low adapter. I've attached an article to help you determine the correct rise or drop your setup requires. I've also linked our selection of adapters for you to look at once you know what you need.
In addition to my recommendations I've linked some articles on flat towing that you may find 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 >
Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 10 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
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on Base Plates
