Recommended Parts for Flat Towing 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 Behind Motorhome

Published 01/24/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3257)

$575.00

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(368)

$1602.80

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4462)

$475.74

Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs

(712)

$955.06

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

(3104)

$156.17

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

(645)

$67.75

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit - GM Pickups/SUVs w/Adjustable Pedals

(601)

$47.40

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit - GM Pickups/SUVs w/Non-Adjustable Pedals

(601)

$54.54

Roadmaster InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset

(280)

$1380.00

Question:

I have a 2012 GMC 1500 4x4 that I would like to set up with 10,000# capability. Would like to know what parts I need for complete setup, including brakes and lighting. If at all possible would like parts list for Blue-ox and parts for Road Master. Thanks

asked by: Marvin F

Expert Reply:

To flat tow your vehicle, you'll need a tow bar, base plates, safety cables, a wiring solution so that the truck taillights work in conjunction with those of the tow vehicle, a supplemental braking system and possibly a high/low adapter.

For Blue Ox parts starting with the tow bar, I'd go with the Blue Ox Avail, part # BX7420. This tow bar has a 10K capacity like you were looking for, and features non-binding self aligning arms that make hooking up and detaching very easy. The safety cables are included. For base plates, go with # BX1674.

For wiring, Blue Ox doesn't offer a diode kit I really like, so I'd go with the Roadmaster # RM-15267. The installation is not plug and play, but the system is extremely easy to use once installed. Simply plug in the umbilical and off you go.

For a braking system, the Patriot part # BLU37TR is an excellent choice. The system works very well, drop it in place, attach the push arm to the brake pedal, plug the unit in to power and you're pretty much ready to go. This system can be a great choice for folks that change vehicles often as it's easily transferable from vehicle to vehicle.

When installed, the base plates will sit at about 15-3/4 above the pavement, assuming the truck is on stock tires at factory ride height. If this is more than 3 inches higher or lower than the hitch height on the tow vehicle, you'd also need a high/low adapter. I'll link you to our selection of those, you'll simply choose the adapter that places the receiver within 3 inches of the base plate height.

For Roadmaster products, I'd go with the # RM-422 BlackHawk tow bar. This tow bar is also self aligning and non binding, so the truck won't need to be perfectly aligned behind the tow vehicle in order to attach or remove the tow bar. For base plates, I'd recommend the # 3154-3 base plates you'd already looked at. For safety cables, use the # RM-643 cables. They are coiled, so they won't drag while you're towing. For a wiring setup, use the # RM-15267 mentioned above.

For a a supplemental braking system, I really like the Roadmaster Invisibrake, part # RM-8700 because once it's installed, there's not much else you'll need to do for a pre-trip. The Invisibrake is an excellent choice if you're planning on keeping your vehicle for a long time. You'd also need a brake lamp switch, part # RM-751220 if you have the adjustable pedals or # RM-751421 if you do not have the adjustable pedals. Roadmaster doesn't provide a base plate height, so you'd need to determine if a high/low adapter is needed once the base plates are installed.

I've linked you to some installation videos that you might find helpful.