Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2012 Nissan Xterra with Manual Transmission

Question:

What equipment do I need to flat tow a 2012 Nissan Xterra with a manual transmission?

asked by: Jerry H

Expert Reply:

In order to flat tow your 2012 Nissan Xterra with the manual transmission behind an RV you will need a base plate kit, a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution, a supplemental braking system, and likely a high-low adapter.

Starting with the base plates, I recommend the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit # 354-1 (as long as your Xterra does not have the brush guard). This base plate kit is confirmed to fit your Xterra and it features a nice hidden bracket design that will provide a sleek look when you aren't towing.

For a compatible tow bar that will work great I recommend the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain # RM-522. This is a non-binding tow bar that will let you release the vehicle at any time, even on unlevel ground. Its extra-long telescoping arms allow for better maneuverability and it has a 6,000 pound towing capacity. For safety cables you can use the Roadmaster # RM-643.

Then for a lighting solution I really like the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Kit # RM-15267. This kit will let you wire your Xterra so that it accepts the basic signal lights from the RV required for flat towing. It includes a 6-Way connector that will mount to the front of the vehicle and enough coiled wiring to go from there to the 7-Way on the RV.

For a supplemental braking system I highly recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. This is a great proportional system that will activate the brakes in your Xterra at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in your RV. The best thing about this particular system is that after the initial installation it requires very little attention as you transition from flat towing to everyday driving (and vice versa). You will need to add the Brake-Lite Relay # RM-88400 in order to prevent the Xterra's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn.

Finally, you will likely need a high-low adapter in order to keep the tow bar within the "Safe Zone" (3 inches above or below level). I have attached an article that explains exactly how to choose the best one for your setup along with an article that will take you to our available selection. I have also included video demonstrations and installation instructions for the products mentioned that you can check out.