Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2012 Scion xB Behind and RV
Question:
To flat tow your 2012 Scion xB behind an RV you will need the base plates and tow bar like you mentioned as well as safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. For a tow bar compatible with Roadmaster base plates # 1187-1A (with arm height at approximately 13 inches) I recommend the Falcon 2 # RM-520. This tow bar makes hooking up and disconnecting easier when you are not on perfectly level ground or straight. I have linked a video review for you. The video explains how the tow bar attaches to the base plate arms. The crossbar is needed. For cables I recommend coiled cables # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For lighting there are different options. You could use a simple magnetic kit such as # C-ATL20A. Or, for a more permanent solution the 6-diode kit # 154-792-118158 is the way to go. The magnetic kits are less expensive but you have to set it up every time. The diode kit costs more but once installed you won't have to set it up again. You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry. And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply 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. Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.
asked by: Tom
Helpful Expert Reply:
To flat tow your 2012 Scion xB behind an RV you will need the base plates and tow bar like you mentioned as well as safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking.
For a tow bar compatible with Roadmaster base plates # 1187-1A (with arm height at approximately 13 inches) I recommend the Falcon 2 # RM-520. This tow bar makes hooking up and disconnecting easier when you are not on perfectly level ground or straight. I have linked a video review for you. The video explains how the tow bar attaches to the base plate arms. The crossbar is needed.
For cables I recommend coiled cables # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.
For lighting there are different options. You could use a simple magnetic kit such as # RM-2120. Or, for a more permanent solution the 6-diode kit # 154-792-118158 is the way to go. The magnetic kits are less expensive but you have to set it up every time. The diode kit costs more but once installed you won't have to set it up again.
You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.
And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply 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.
Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster 6-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles with Separate Lighting
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode 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 >
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 >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
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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Tom
9/24/2017
To flat tow your 2012 Scion xB behind an RV you will need the base plates and tow bar like you mentioned as well as safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. For a tow bar compatible with Roadmaster base plates # 1187-1A (with arm height at approximately 13 inches) I recommend the Falcon 2 # RM-520. This tow bar makes hooking up and disconnecting easier when you are not on perfectly level ground or straight. I have linked a video review for you. The video explains how the tow bar attaches to the base plate arms. The crossbar is needed. For cables I recommend coiled cables # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For lighting there are different options. You could use a simple magnetic kit such as # C-ATL20A. Or, for a more permanent solution the 6-diode kit # 154-792-118158 is the way to go. The magnetic kits are less expensive but you have to set it up every time. The diode kit costs more but once installed you won't have to set it up again. You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry. And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply 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. Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.