Can 1996 Toyota RAV4 Manual Transmission be Flat Towed Behind RV
Question:
Can I tow this vehicle 4 down? If so, what base plate will I need? I currently have a Blue Ox tow bar on our motor home. Thanks...
asked by: Dan
Expert Reply:
Since your 1996 Toyota RAV4 is a manual transmission it can easily be flat towed. For a base plate kit you then would want the part # 1142-1 which is a confirmed fit.
In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon 2, # RM-520. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.
For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed vehicle. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.
And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.
Most likely you will also need a high low adapter so that the tow bar will be level when you are flat towing. I attached a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.
I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing your vehicle.
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 >
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Can I Flat Tow 2011 Toyota Tacoma with 5 Speed Manual Transmission
- Shop: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2009-2012 Smart Fortwo
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Article: How to Choose a High-Low Adapter
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Q&A: Front and Rear SumoSprings Jounce Springs for 2015 Winnebago Sightseer 33C on F-53 Chassis
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit Installation - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
- Q&A: Can 2016 Nissan Frontier 4WD be Flat Towed
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Search Results: base plates
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: tow bar
- Video: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System Installation - 2022 Ford F-150
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Video: Review of Blue Ox Tow Bar Braking Systems - Patriot Portable Braking System - BLU37TR
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Search Results: base plate
- Q&A: Rear Sway Bar and SumoSpring Kit for 2011 Itasca Cambria to Improve Handling
- Shop: Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Article: Stability Control for Heavy Duty Vehicles
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
on Base Plates
