Availability of Base Plates for 2005 Chevy Avalanche 4x4  

Question:

Expert Reply:

We do indeed offer base plates for the 2005 Chevy Avalanche 4x4. My research indicates that your Avalanche is capable of being flat towed but there are usually very specific steps that must be followed before flat towing the vehicle. You'll need to:

1) Place transmission in Park.
2) Turn the engine off, but leave key in 'on' position.
3) Set the parking brake.
4) Hitch Avalanche to tow bar and tow vehicle according to instructions
5) Shift the transfer case into Neutral. (vehicle CAN roll when transfer case is in Neutral, even though transmission is in part, which is why you use the emergency brake.
6) Release parking brake.
7) Turn ignition off, but leave steering column unlocked.

To flat tow the vehicle, you'll need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution and a supplemental braking system.

Let's start with base plates. I'd recommend using a tow bar and a base plate from the same manufacturer. I personally prefer the Blue Ox products, as I find them a bit easier to use. For a 1500 model, Blue Ox has the # BX1682 base plate. For a 2500 model use the Blue Ox # BX1645. You can see current pricing on the base plates by clicking the provided links.

For a tow bar, you'd want to go with the Avail, part # BX7420 which has a 10,000 lb capacity. The tow bar includes safety cables.

To wire the Avalanche so its taillights operate with the lights on the motorhome, I'd recommend the Roadmaster Bulb and Socket wiring kit, part # RM-155. Installing this kit involves installing additional bulbs in the taillight assemblies on the Avalanche, you won't have to splice into the vehicle's wiring.

The Blue Ox Patriot part # BLU37TR would be an excellent choice for a supplemental braking system. The Patriot provides proportional braking, which means that the tow vehicle and the Avalanche would stop at the same rate, providing safe, effective and predictable braking. The system doesn't require hours of expensive labor to install. I'll link you to a video showing the Patriot being installed into a full-sized pickup. I'll also link you to some of our FAQ articles about flat towing.

expert reply by: Mike L

0