Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2002 Chevy S-10 Manual Transmission

Published 01/19/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(25)

$201.46

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2125)

$670.00

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord

(3186)

$180.17

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(402)

$850.00

RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

(656)

$71.02

Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(56)

$1930.00

Question:

Can I flat tow a 2002 S-10 5 speed manual transmission without a lube pump or drive shaft coupling.I keep getting different answers.Transmission specialist says yes chevy book says no.Thanks for your help

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

From the research I did it looks like a drive shaft disconnect is recommended for flat towing your 2002 S-10. This is surprising to me though since typically manual transmission vehicles are good to go as-is for flat towing. All you usually have to do is put the vehicle in neutral and it is ready. However, the owners manual of a vehicle is the final authority on flat towing procedures for a vehicle.

As long as your S-10 is a 2 wheel drive truck the correct base plate kit would be the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit # 161-1.

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 diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed 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 Even Brake proportional system, # RM-9400, 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.

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.