Base Plates, Tow Bar, and Accessories Needed to Flat Tow a 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500  

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Expert Reply:

Before flat towing any vehicle you will want to consult the owners manual to determine how the vehicle should be towed and if there are any special restrictions or requirements. The Roadmaster XL base plates, # 3154-1, bolt onto the frame rails in the front of the 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500. The kit comes with all the parts and hardware for installation.

To flat tow a vehicle there are 4 other parts you will need starting with a tow bar compatible with the base plates. If your truck when ready to tow weighs under 6,000 pounds, the most popular tow bar option is the Falcon 2, # RM-520. I have included links to a video and installation instructions. For a 10,000 pound capacity tow bar, use # RM-422.

Next, you will need safety cables. For 6k capacity you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For 10k we have # BX88197.

For vehicle lighting, I recommend the TowDaddy kit # TM780017. It plugs in line with the vehicle tail lights and connects to a 4-Way end on the towing vehicle. I have linked the isntructions for you.

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 that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the towing vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

You will also need a stop light switch kit so that you will be able to know when the braking unit is applying the vehicle brakes. If your truck as adjustable pedals use # RM-751220. Without adjustable pedals use # RM-751421.

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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