Base Plates, Tow Bar, Wiring, Safety Cables, and Braking System to Flat Tow a 2010 Chevy Silverado

Updated 02/14/2011 | Published 02/12/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3325)

$670.00

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3325)

$575.00

Hopkins 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connector

(183)

$43.63

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

(43)

$77.31

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

(401)

$850.00

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

(656)

$71.02

Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(56)

$1930.00

Question:

what is the best hitch to pull my pickup around ,,I am a farmer short of help ,,,, need to pull the truck from field to field...thank you..

asked by: Don N

Expert Reply:

To pull your 2010 Chevy Silverado around the farm, it would be best to install base plates on the truck and use a tow bar. Usually, you would need a lot of other accessories to tow in this manner, but if you are keeping it on the farm and off the roads, you can use the minimum.

Depending on whether the truck is a 1500, 2500, or 3500 model, there are different base plates available. Since you will be towing a truck around potentially rough terrain, I recommend the more heavy duty MX style base plates. For a 1500, you would need # 3154-3. For a 2500 or 3500, you would need # 3148-3.

You would then need a tow bar that is compatible with MX base plates. The most economical is the RoadMaster Falcon 2, # RM-520. I have included a link to the installation details and a video review for reference. I would then add safety cables to this set up, # RM-643, should the truck becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle.

For use on a farm, the above is probably all you need. But if you ever plan to take it out on the road, there are some other accessories that are needed as required by law such as lights and a braking system. For lights, there are a couple of options. If you do not plan on towing the truck often, I recommend magnetic light kit # RM-2120.

If you do plan on towing it frequently, I recommend installing diodes, # 38955. I have included a video along with a couple of FAQ articles on tow bar wiring that should help in choosing the best light kit for your application along with how to go about wiring it.

Next, you would need a supplemental braking system. The easiest to use and install would be the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Proportional Braking System, # RM-9400. This system installs quickly so you are ready to go in minutes. It engages the towed vehicle brakes proportionally to how much the towing vehicle is braking, reducing wear of both vehicles brakes.

Finally, you will need to check with the manufacturer and/or your vehicle owners manual for instructions on the proper procedure for towing your vehicle because some vehicles must be equipped with a transmission lube pump, an axle disconnect, drive line disconnect, or free-wheeling hubs before they can be towed.