Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2011 Chevy Tahoe
Question:
Hi I recently purchased a 2002 Fleetwood Tioga 30ft motorhome, which has a Class III 5000lbs frame mounted hitch. I wanted to know if it is reasonable to flat tow my Chevy Tahoe which weighs 5700lbs or if I needed to buy a Class IV hitch. I have talked to several dealerships and read several blogs, and half say its okay and half say I should get the Class IV?
asked by: Chris
Expert Reply:
Since your Chevy Tahoe weighs more than the weight capacity of the hitch on your motorhome I can only recommend you upgrade the hitch to a higher capacity one and make sure that your motorhome has the capacity to tow the weight of your Tahoe.
To flat tow your Tahoe you will first need to start with a base plate kit. For that you would want the pat # 3154-1 which has been confirmed as a fit.
In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon 2, # RM-520. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.
For lighting you can use the bulb and socket kit, # RM-152, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. You will also want the # BX88206 to connect this lighting solution to your tow vehicle. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.
And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.
Most likely you will also need a high low adapter so that the tow bar will be level when you are flat towing. I attached a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.
I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing your vehicle.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Partially Hidden
- Roadmaster
more information >
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Every-Trip Setup
- Built-In Battery
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Wireless Display
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox 7-Wire to 6-Wire, Coiled Electrical Cord
- Accessories and Parts
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Adapters
- 7 Round - Blade to 6 Round
- Coiled Cord
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount
- Telescoping - Binding
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Cables Not Included
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Partially Hidden
- Roadmaster
more information >
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on Tow Bar Base Plate
