Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500 4x4 Behind and RV

Updated 12/13/2016 | Published 12/12/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Classic Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

(279)

$444.11

Demco Excali-Bar III Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,500 lbs

(47)

$1145.00

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors

(3183)

$100.94

Roadmaster Universal Magnetic Tow Lights with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(43)

$77.31

Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles

(700)

$47.73

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(754)

$1175.00

Question:

What is the best towing for a 2013 Silverado 4wd 1500? Dolly or flat towing?

asked by: Margaret P

Helpful Expert Reply:

For a truck like your 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500 4x4 I would flat tow it rather than dolly tow if because trucks can be heavy and harder to fit on a tow dolly than a sedan. Plus the overall cost for a decent tow dolly is as much as or more than a flat towing set up. For the flat towing procedures look at section 10-90 of the vehicle owner's manual.

To flat tow the truck you will need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. For base plates you can use Demco base plates # DM9518200.

For a compatible tow bar I recommend the Excali-Bar III # DM9511013. It's rated up to 10,500 pounds and comes with safety cables so you would not need to add any separately.

For lighting you can use a simple magnetic kit such as # RM-2120. For a more permanent solution you can use diode kit # RM-154. I have linked a video showing an example installation of the diode kit for you.

You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply 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.

The # RM-88400 relay is required to prevent the towed vehicle's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn. The RM-88400 relay is not required when using magnetic tow lights

Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.