Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero with a Roadmaster Falcon 5250 Tow Bar  

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Expert Reply:

There are 5 items needed to flat tow a vehicle. But first, you will want to consult the vehicle owners manual for your 2003 Oldsmobile Alero for specific information on flat towing it. In my research I found that there is a 65 mile an hour speed restriction and there may be some fuses that have to be pulled so the battery does not drain while towing.

You already have one component, the tow bar, so next you will need base plates. Roadmaster base plates # 194-3 are compatible with the Falcon 5250 tow bar. The base plates provide a secure attachment point on the vehicle for the tow bar.

Next you will need safety chains, # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. Another component you will need is lighting for the vehicle. I recommend something simple like the magnetic light kit # RM-2120 that just mounts to a flat metal surface and plugs into a 4-Way on the RV.

And last, most states now require a supplemental braking system on the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Even Brake # RM-9400. This is a proportional system meaning is applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the RV is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

I have included a helpful link to our series of FAQ articles on flat towing for you to view.

expert reply by: Michael H

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