Can Roadmaster Sterling Tow be Used to Flat Tow 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

Updated 09/18/2020 | Published 09/16/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Classic Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

(279)

$502.58

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(399)

$1489.90

Roadmaster Tow Bar Adapter Brackets for Demco Base Plates

(59)

$51.87

Roadmaster Accessory Kit for Falcon Tow Bars - Tail Light Wiring - Safety Cables - Lock Set

(73)

$324.12

Question:

Hi, Ive recently acquired a motorhome that came with a tow bar and baseplate. I own a 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT that Id like to flat tow, and Im curious if the baseplate and tow bar I have will work with it. The motorhome came with a roadmaster baseplate, which is marked 3160-1A, and a tow bar that is a roadmaster, though I cannot make out any markings on it that indicate a model etc. It does, however, have a vinyl storage bag that says Sterling, by Roadmaster. Are either of these compatible with my Vibe? Thanks!

asked by: Casey M

Expert Reply:

The Roadmaster Sterling tow bar you have a is a really great and easy to use tow bar which you can reuse with your 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT. Roadmaster doesn't have a base plate kit that fits the GT models of your Vibe but I do have a solution. You'll need to use the Demco base plate that fits your vehicle # DM9518228 with the base plate adapter # RM-034 and you'd have those tow aspects of the flat towing setup covered.

For lighting/safety cables, locks, and covers for the tow bar we have the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain kit part # RM-9243-1 which comes with all of that as one part number. The diode kit that comes with this allows you to splice into the taillight wiring so that your RV controls the vehicle taillights and does not require drilling into the taillight housings. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

Most likely you will also need a high low adapter so that the tow bar will be level when you are flat towing. I attached a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.

I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing your vehicle.