Flat-Towing Setup for a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

Updated 03/31/2020 | Published 12/07/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs

(451)

$712.23

Deka Lead Quick-Disconnect Battery Terminal - Universal Polarity

(34)

$29.73

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

(3186)

$180.17

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit

(622)

$51.66

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

(755)

$1175.00

Question:

Looking for a tow bar base plate for 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2. Need set-up for towing behind a 2014 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 36LA.

asked by: Wayne F

Expert Reply:

Before you purchase the necessary components needed to flat-tow your 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 behind your 2014 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 36LA you will want to review the "Recreational Towing" section of your owner's manual for any special clauses. In order to flat-tow your Colorado you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, supplemental braking system, safety cables, tow bar wiring, and a possible high-low adapter.

The only base plate kit we have for your Colorado with the ZR2 package is the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit part # BX1721. The Blue Ox base plate kit has removable arms for a clean look while not in use. For a tow bar rated for the weight of your vehicle that works with the above base plates, I recommend taking a look at the Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar part # BX7380. The 6,500 lb weight capacity and telescoping arms on the Alpha tow bar will make for a smooth and secure tow. It also comes with safety cables therefore you will not need to purchase these additionally.

For a wiring harness that will allow the the lights on your RV to operate the lights on the toad vehicle, the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit part # RM-15267 will work well for you. You can even see an installation video of us installing this very same kit on a similar 2016 Chevy Colorado which I have attached for you.

In regards to a supplemental braking system, the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System part # SM99251 is always a popular choice among our installation coordinators. This proportional braking system never has to be removed, replaced, or reset once installed on the vehicle. You will also want to use the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit part # RM-751472 to activate the vehicle's brake lights while the brake pedal in the RV is depressed. Since the owners manual recommend disconnecting the battery while the vehicle is in tow, the Deka Lead Quick-Disconnect Battery Terminal - Universal Polarity part # DW05312 will make this process much simpler.

To flat-tow your vehicle behind your RV, you will most likely require a high-low adapter to raise or lower the height of the tow bar to the "Safe Zone". The "Safe Zone" for a motor-home-mounted tow bar ranges from 3" above level to 3" below level. Car-mounted tow bars must be completely level. A high-low adapter will provide the necessary rise or drop to get into the "Safe Zone". I have attached a list of our high-low adapters for you as well.

Also, don't forget to check out the multiple review and installation videos I have attached for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

Bob B.

3/30/2020

I bought a ZR2 for its off road capabilities, therefore I dont want to lose my front tow hooks. I see the Blue Ox removable face plate assembly. Im good wiht that. However, is there some sort of adapter to which I could attach the factory tow hooks so that that I could swap between the base plate and the tow hooks. this might be easier to ask in a phone call. Please feel free to call me at 505-884-1425.

Chris R.

3/31/2020

Unfortunately there isn't an adapter or known modification that would allow you to maintain the tow hooks after the base plate kit is installed. They simply require the same mounting space. You would need to remove the base plate assembly altogether to put the tow hooks back in place.