Can Front Hooks on 2002 Chevy Silverado be Used to Flat Tow Truck  

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Expert Reply:

In order to flat tow your 2002 Chevy Silverado with all 4 wheels on the ground you will need to add a base plate kit. The factory hooks at the front of the truck are recovery hooks and should only be used if you need to pull the truck out when it's stuck off-road so you can get it back to where normal driving can be continued. The hooks are not designed to handle any prolonged force and using them to actually tow the vehicle will likely cause damage.

For a base plate kit I recommend the Demco Classic # DM9518077 that features hidden reinforcements for a clean appearance when you aren't towing. These base plates will be mounted directly to the truck's chassis for a secure and strong connection.

To pull your truck behind an RV you will also need a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution, and a supplemental braking system. Below I will give you my recommendations if you do not have some or all of these items.

Tow Bar: Demco Excali-Bar III # DM9511013 (safety cables are included with this model)
Lighting Solution: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267
Supplemental Braking System:
SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251 if the RV has hydraulic brakes or the SMI Air Force One # SM99243 if it has air brakes. You will also need to add the Relay # RM-88400 to prevent the Silverado's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn.

The Demco Excali-Bar Tow Bar is an excellent non-binding unit that will allow for easy release of your truck and its adjustable head can be tilted 3 inches up or down to keep your setup level. The Roadmaster Diode Kit will allow the truck to accept the basic signal lights from the RV while preventing any feedback and either SMI Braking System provides a reliable and clean setup that requires very little attention after the initial installation, even when transitioning from towing to everyday driving.

I have attached a few video demonstrations on these products that you can check out as well. I also recommend checking your owner's manual for any steps or restrictions when it comes to flat towing the vehicle.

expert reply by: Chris R

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