How to Pick Out a Base Plate Kit for a 2002 Chevy Tahoe without Tow Hooks

Updated 03/16/2016 | Published 03/13/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster XL Crossbar Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(71)

$575.00

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3341)

$575.00

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

(3192)

$180.91

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

(656)

$71.47

Question:

I have a 2002 Chevy Tahoe 4x4 and am wanting to install a Roadmaster base plate kit on it for use with a Roadmaster all terrain tow bar. The problem is that I have no tow hooks installed to be able to start picking the proper kit. There is only one hole on the bottom of the frame rail and it is round. About three inches or a little less in front of this hole are two holes on each side of the frame rails. One directly above the other on the sides. Which kit would be right for me? Can you please help me out? Thank you,

asked by: Brent H

Expert Reply:

I spoke to my contact at Roadmaster and he gave me the following information to pass on to you to help you determine which kit would work:

He said that if you have a 1/2 ton 2002 Chevy Tahoe you would need the part # 199-1 or you have a 3/4 ton you would need the # 3101-1. Without or without the tow hooks these are the correct base plates.

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 Blue Ox Patriot II, # BRK2016, 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.