Base Plate Kit and Flat Tow Set-up for a 2005 Toyota Rav4 Using Demco Excali-Bar Tow Bar

Question:

I have purchased a Excaliburs -bar 9511006 to tow our 2005 Rav4 and we need to find a base plate for it.What is an appropriate base we can use please? Does it have to be a Demco base plate or can I get away with another that might be more readily available?

asked by: Dean

Expert Reply:

I recommend going with the Demco Classic Base Plate Kit # DM9517115, this base plate kit is compatible with your 2005 Toyota Rav4 and is made to work with your Demco Excali-Bar tow bar without modification and a more clean look on your vehicle.

Your other option would be to use the Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # 1172-1, the RoadMaster Tow Bar Adapter # RM-032 and the Roadmaster Tow Bar Quick Disconnect Kit # RM-201 (because the baseplate kit is the XL this is needed). This will work with your vehicle and tow bar but will require the adapters and has a bulkier appearance.

I am going to list a few other items and recommendations for parts that are needed to tow your Rav4 just to make sure you have everything accounted for.

It looks like your Excali-Bar tow bar comes with safety chains so you have accounted for a base plate kit, tow bar and safety chains. You will also need tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system and potentially a high-low adapter.

For tow bar wiring I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 which is going to wire your vehicle to accept your RV's tail, brake, and turn signal lights for flat towing.

The supplemental braking system I recommend is the Demco Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # DM86VR which is going to apply the towed vehicle's brakes in proportion to the braking action of your RV, so the towed car's brakes are activated at the same time and with the same intensity as those in your motorhome.

The high-low adapter may be needed to get your tow set up level. You need to be within 3" of level when towing your vehicle behind a motorhome. I have attached a help article you can check out to determine if you need a high-low adapter and which one is right for you if you do. I have also linked our page of high-low adapters so that once you figure out if one is needed you can select the correct one.