Tacoma Towing

[ROHawkins]

New to towing, and seems like a lot of info to take in. I would like to tow a 97 Toyota Tacoma, but have no idea what I need. Leaning towards a Tow Bar, but do I need to order one specific to the Tacoma. Modifications needed?

Thanks,
Randy

[ROHawkins]

New to towing, and seems like a lot of info to take in. I would like to tow a 97 Toyota Tacoma, but have no idea what I need. Leaning towards a Tow Bar, but do I need to order one specific to the Tacoma. Modifications needed?

Thanks,
Randy

[RV Wizard]

Randy, I am pretty sure your Tacoma is not towable four flat, meaning that all four tires on the ground as manufactured. You could use a tow dollie and put the drive wheels on the dollie off the ground. Otherwise you will have to modify the truck with either a drive shaft disconnect or a transmission lube pump by Remco. Any tow bar rated for the weight of the truck and its contents will work. If you want to pull it four flat, you will have to have a base plate made for the year, make, and model installed on the truck the tow bar will connect to. So you come down to two methods:
1. Put drive wheels on tow dollie (you will needs lights on front of truck while in tow).
You could use a flat bed trailer and put the whole truck on it (no lights on truck needed).
2. Modify truck to be towed with all wheels on ground. Install base plate to connect tow bar to. A tow bar and light wiring on truck whiule in tow. I strongly recommend a brake assist for this method of towing, it is the law in many states. At the top of this forum is some good info. There are some disadvantages of having a tow dollie or trailer you have to store when you get to where you are going sometimes. Do your homework completely as this is an important and costly decision. You may end up deciding to get a newer model vehicle that is towable as manufactured.
Good luck and keep us posted.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Call or visit the web site of Remco Towing to learn what is needed to make your Tacoma towable.
Remco Towing

I don't think the Tacoma can be flat towed without modifications, but Remco can tell you for sure.

[ROHawkins]

Gary,

I checked the Remco site and it says that a manual transmission is towable as is. So, do I need a tow bar specifcly for the Tacoma. Where would the hook up points be?

Thanks,
Randy

[historyljc]

Randy,

Check the Blue Ox site for your vehicle. The will lead you to the installation instructions if you choose their baseplate. This is the link if you prefer the Roadmaster setup. Good luck.

[ROHawkins]

Thanks for the Info. Are Tow brackets the same thing as a baseplate? Are their differences between the two?

Randy

[Route 66]

Baseplate is the correct term, and the baseplate is attached to your toad.

Baseplates are unique to each make and model of toad.

The towbar connects the MH trailer hitch to the toad's baseplate.

You will need;

Towbar

Baseplate

Safety cables

Electrical cord to connect MH to the toads lights

Either diodes or extra lights for toads brake and tail lights

Supplemental braking system for the toad with a break away system

[ROHawkins]

Is the supplemental braking system a must?

Thanks,
Randy

[Route 66]

Absolutely.

Most all motorhome manufacturers require supplemental braking on any trailer/toad over 1500 lbs, and many states have brake requirements also.

It not only reduces stopping distances, which is critical when you need to stop NOW, the breakaway feature is invaluable.

This STICKY at the top of the forum has more info.

I view supplemental braking systems like insurance; a complete waste of money until you need it, then it's priceless.