Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2002 Toyota 4Runner Behind Thor Ace Motor Coach

Question

Question:

Needing help picking a flat towing tow bar and bracket with wiring kit. Tow vehicle is 2002 Toyota 4 runner 4x4. 2016 Thor ace 30.2 is the pulling vehicle. Looking at the blue ox. Least expensive route please. But safest.

asked by: Robert B

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Expert Reply:

A complete flat-towing setup requires a number of items and we can help you with all of them. The flat towing overview article I linked for you covers each needed part. I'll try to find you the most cost-effective options that will be safe and legal.

For a base plate for the 2002 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 I suggest the Blue Ox kit # BX3736. This will directly accept their Alpha tow bar # BX7380 which includes the required safety cables, saving you that separate expense. For a lighting kit I suggest inexpensive magnetic lights like # TL21RK or # TLL21RK which are easy to install. All the available types of lighting/wiring kits are shown on a linked page.

For a braking system for the 4Runner you have several products to choose from, shown on another linked page, but there is not a whole lot of difference in price. Some, like the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251, require a fairly involved installation but it is one-time installation. In contrast, a product such as the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR will install simply since it features wireless operation and it can be moved to your next towed vehicle since it is also fully portable. This is the unit I recommend and for the reasons noted above.

The last item you'll need is a high/low hitch adapter like # RM-048-10 which is often required to keep the connected tow bar level. It is important that the tow bar be no more than 3-inches above or below dead-level on either end to ensure it operates without binding.

I know this is a lot to digest so please feel free to send along any other questions or concerns.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

When it comes to choosing between the Blue Ox Patriot #BLU37TR and the Brake Buddy Select 3 #HM39524, these systems are extremely similar in their setup and functionality. Both of these systems provide proportional braking in a compact and easy to…

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Answer 2

Both the Roadmaster and Blue Ox tow bars are great options. But if it was my decision to make I would go with the Blue Ox Avail part #BX7420 as we have found that the Blue Ox tow bars are a little easier to connect and disconnect from. Also this…

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Answer 3

Hey Michael, The Falcon 5250 has direct-connect attachment points that hook onto a crossbar, if you remove the crossbar adapter then you'll be able to go with a direct-connect baseplate like the #RM77ZR (models with tow hooks) or #RM76RR (models…

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Answer 4

I would be happy to confirm the parts you referenced fit your 2019 Chevy Colorado and are compatible together. I have listed them below, along with any changes, and attached installation videos. Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar…

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Answer 5

Gladly! The difference between the Blue Ox Patriot 3 Radio Frequency, Portable Braking System BRK2019 and the Blue Ox Patriot Radio Frequency, Portable Braking System #BLU37TR is that the Blue Ox Patriot 3 RBRK2019 is older, no longer available, and…

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Answer 6

Hello John. The #C96JR tail light kit for the 2023 Jeep Gladiator will indeed work with a Brake Buddy brake System Such as part #HM39524. So, if you plan to use a portable brake system, that is definitely what I recommend, and you do not need to get…

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Answer 7

Here are the steps to prepare your 2023 Ford Bronco Big Bend for flat towing. The transfer case and transmission will be in neutral with the ignition off. This information is in your owners manual. Switching Neutral Tow On 1.Switch your vehicle to…

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Answer 8

Yes, your 2017 Chevrolet Equinox FWD can be flat towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. Do understand that you will need to run your Equinox for 5 minutes every time you stop for gas to properly lubricate your transmission and before towing. A better…

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Answer 9

Hello Curtis. You can absolutely use an RV mount tow bar with your 2006 Ford E350 Van. For example, the Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar #BX7420 is compatible with any 2" hitch receiver. This could be on a motorhome, van or pickup truck. As…

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Answer 10

Although it's not said, to install the Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit #DM77YV there may be some trimming of spoiler, air dam, grille or plastic fascia required depending on the model of this vehicle. To complete your flat towing setup, you're…

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Answer 11

There is one key difference between the Blue Ox Patriot 2 Portable Braking System part BRK2016 and the Blue Ox Patriot 3 Portable Braking System part #BLU37TR. The difference is an extra safety measure built into the Patriot. The Patriot #BLU37TR has…

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Answer 12

Hey Dave, The Curt Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles #C96JR would not be intertwined or interfere with the Blue Ox Patriot #BLU37TR. This wire harness is simply plugging into the motorhome and Gladiator tail lights to copy the light…

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