Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2011 Chevy Tahoe

Updated 01/07/2016 | Published 01/06/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2126)

$575.00

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(398)

$1489.90

Blue Ox 7-Wire to 6-Wire, Coiled Electrical Cord

(641)

$91.65

Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit

(300)

$96.21

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

(403)

$850.00

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

(656)

$70.99

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.