Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 1998 Toyota Tacoma 4X4

Question

Question:

My father passed away and left me a 37 ft Pace Arrow with an Eagle 5000 tow bar. What do I need to tow a 1998 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 5 speed. Tow bar serial no. 3742

asked by: Joe H

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I am sorry to hear about your father. It is typically okay to flat tow pickup trucks with manual transmissions, however, the best way to determine if your 1998 Toyota Tacoma can be flat towed is to check your owners manual under the towing section or by contacting your local Toyota dealer with your VIN. I did some research on your truck and found a few owners manuals that say not to tow the Tacoma, but I was not able to locate one for your 1998 Tacoma.

Another reason to consult your owners manual or Toyota directly is because even if your vehicle is capable of being flat towed, there may be specific procedures or limitations that Toyota has when flat towing.

If you find that your Tacoma can be flat towed, then there are 5 basic components needed to flat tow a vehicle. You will need a base plate kit, tow bar, tail light wiring kit, safety cables and a supplemental braking system.

The base plate kit that I recommend is the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit, # 1148-1. This base plate kit is compatible with your Roadmaster Eagle 5000 tow bar. If you no longer have the crossbar assembly for your Eagle 5000 tow bar, then you can use the Quick Disconnect Base Assembly, # 910021-00, as a replacement.

The next items that you will need are safety cables and a tail light wiring kit. For safety cables, I recommend the Roadmaster 6,000 lbs Safety Cables, # RM-643. For a wiring kit, I recommend the Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights, # RM-2120.

The final item that you will need is a supplemental braking system. Most states require the use of a braking system when flat towing. For your Tacoma, I recommend the Roadmaster Even Brake, # RM-9400. This system is easy to set up and use. It is also a proportional braking system that will apply the same braking intensity to your Tacoma as you are applying to your RV. Please note, this system requires 15 amps of power, so I recommend picking up the Roadmaster 12 Volt Outlet Kit, # RM-9332, to connect the braking system directly to the vehicle battery.

If you are new to flat towing, I have attached a few FAQ articles with additional information for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H

1

Answer 1

The trailer will have a plate or sticker on it that will list the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that will list the weight capacity. You can…

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Answer 2

I did some checking and if your 1996 Toyota Tacoma has a manual transmission you wouldn't need a driveshaft disconnect to tow it on a tow dolly like the Roadmaster #RM-2050-1 but if you have an automatic transmission you will need one. Your…

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Answer 3

We have a number of hardwire kit options for you to be able to wire your wife's 2019 Toyota Tacoma so that the tail lights function in sync with your Ram while towing the Tacoma. A kit like the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 4-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring…

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Answer 4

While there are no base plates for a 2021 Toyota RAV4, there are base plates as well as the rest of the parts for a 2015 Toyota Tacoma TRD. The base plates are from Blue Ox, but they do allow you to use the Nighthawk tow bar, as there is a version of…

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Answer 5

The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part #RM-521196-5 is a fit for a 2018 Toyota Tacoma and what you'll want to use to reuse the Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All Terrain Tow Bar part #RM-422 or one like it. In regards to the Blue Ox Patriot…

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Answer 6

It is no bother at all. We are happy to answer the questions you have and want to make sure you get the items that work best for you. Both of the base plates, part #1175-1, and part #1175-3 are designed to fit your 2012 Toyota Tacoma. Both of the…

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Answer 7

The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, #BX3622 that you linked to is for a Subaru not a Toyota but there is the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, #BX3795 that is fit guided for the Toyota. While per the manufacturer, you should not attempt to flat tow a Toyota Tacoma,…

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Answer 8

The online owner's manual for your 2016 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 states that the truck cannot be flat towed with all wheels down, nor can it be dolly towed either. The 4x4 must be towed with all wheels off the ground. You can refer to page 506 of the…

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Answer 9

You are correct, the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit, #1175-3 is a confirmed fit for the 2010 Tacoma, excluding X-Runner trim package, and this will match well to the Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar, #RM-522 that you have selected.…

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Answer 10

If you are worried about the possibility of a bike rack hitting your flat towed 2013 Toyota Tacoma, then a few quick measurements might help. Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack #HLY64FR, measures 32 inches from the center hitch pin hole to the…

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Answer 11

Yes, the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit part #BX3795 is a fit for a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. I spoke to Blue Ox who informed it was a carry over model. If you don't already have a tow bar, the Blue Ox Alpha 2 Tow Bar part #BX7380 would be a great match.…

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Answer 12

Yes, the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, #BX3795 is listed in our fit guided for the Toyota. While per the manufacturer, you should not attempt to flat tow a Toyota Tacoma because you will damage the transmission/drivetrain, anything can be made to flat tow…

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