Parts Needed for Flat Towing 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 Behind Itasca Ellipse Motor Home

Updated 04/28/2015 | Published 04/26/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(483)

$1500.57

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4921)

$531.32

Blue Ox Alpha Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,500 lbs

(480)

$1079.00

Blue Ox KarGard Protective Shield for Towed Vehicles

(115)

$345.47

Roadmaster Bulb and Socket Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - Incandescent

(442)

$83.99

Question:

Need to install tow dinghy set up 2014 Itasca Ellipse 42qd. With air brakes, to 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 diesel long bed dinghy. Looking at road master vrs blue ox? May want to use a rock cover so that may be a concern on base plate choice? Perhaps: Blue Ox # Bx1717 base plates so I can maybe use rock shield Blue Ox Avail # Bx7420. Blue Ox Patriot vrs Road Master Even brake? I want portability for ease of eventually switching between two dinghys. I will need a light kit any other items please let me know pkg... Thanks

asked by: Mike M

Expert Reply:

Flat towing requires 5 primary components: tow bar, safety cables, base plates, a wiring or lighting solution and a supplementary braking system like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR that you referenced. The linked article covers each of these and may be a helpful starting point as you consider your options.

In general it is easiest to use a tow bar and base plates from the same maker as this will avoid the cost and added complexity of adapters that will be needed if you mix brands. You'll also want to check your Sierra's owner's manual for any guidance regarding preparing the truck to be flat towed.

For base plates I suggest the Blue Ox # BLU22QR which is a bolt-on kit that includes hardware. The tow bar I recommend with these is the Blue Ox motorhome-mount Alpha, part # BX7380. This telescoping tow bar includes safety cables. The Blue Ox KarGard Towed Vehicle Protector # BX8870 will work with this tow bar.

For a wiring kit I suggest the Roadmaster # RM-155 that keeps your tow bar wiring completely independent of the truck's wiring.

The Blue Ox Patriot proportional braking system # BLU37TR is by far the easiest to set-up and install and I recommend this unit for your application. It also meets your portability requirement.

Instructions for all items are linked for you.