Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2011 Toyota Rav4 Limited

Question:

Is it possible to set up a 2011 Toyota Rav4 Limited 4wd to tow behind an rv?

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

In order to determine if your 2011 Toyota Rav4 is able to be flat-towed you will need to consult the owners manual of your vehicle to see if there are any restrictions on flat-towing your vehicle. Some vehicles require an axle disconnect, drive line disconnect, transmission lube pump, or free wheeling hubs in order to be flat towed.

If you do find that you can flat tow your vehicle the first thing you are going to need is a base-plate kit like the Blue Ox # BX3770.

Next you'll need a compatible tow bar which I recommend the Blue Ox Alpha 2 # BX7380 due to its non-binding arms that allow you to quickly and easily unhook the tow bar from your motorhome even if you are parked on ground that's not perfectly level. This tow bar also includes the needed safety cables.

The next thing needed is wiring to make it so your RV lights are sent to your tow vehicles lights, and to do that I recommend using the Roadmaster # RM-152-1676-7. This diode kit allows your motorhome lighting signals to power your existing lights without backfeeding into the wiring of your vehicle.

And finally, most states now require a supplemental braking system on the vehicle being towed. The easiest to install and use is the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Proportional Braking System, # RM-9400. This unit activates the brakes on the vehicle being towed in proportion to how much the RV is braking. This is the safest type of braking action and it reduces wear and tear on the RV and towed vehicle brakes. I attached an FAQ article on supplemental braking for you to check out also.