Recommendations for Flat Towing a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500

Updated 03/16/2021 | Published 03/10/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3701)

$575.00

Roadmaster High Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2-1/2" Hitches - 4" Rise/Drop - 10K GTW

(1653)

$180.27

Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs

(864)

$1545.00

Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only

(442)

$215.40

Roadmaster Accessory Kit for Nighthawk and Sterling Tow Bars - Tail Light Wiring - Lock Set

(28)

$222.32

Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional

(587)

$1450.00

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(851)

$1285.50

Question:

can i flat tow a 2018 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD Crew Cab or do i have to change any think. its V8 5.3L transmission 8 Speed thanks

asked by: Bud K

Expert Reply:

Your 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT is capable of being flat towed. It will require a few things to be added. The first is the Base Plate # RM-3177-3. This will replace the tow hooks that are on the front of the Sierra currently. I recommend this as its a direct connect base plate that doesn't require use of a cross bar. That means less parts to connect and a simpler hookup every time. You will want to measure the height of your current tow hooks and compare that with the motorhome's trailer hitch receiver height. I always recommend doing this ahead of time so that when you're ready to tow you know you have everything you need. The heights should be within 3" of each other otherwise you will need to get a corresponding High Low Adapter for Tow Bars similar to # RM-058-4. This may or may not be what you are looking for based on your measurements. If you are unsure of what you need here please let me know and I will give you my recommendation.

For Tow Bars I suggest the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain # RM-676. They are rated for 8,000lbs which exceeds that of your Sierra. The wiring is already attached to the Tow Bars for added convenience. These bars are made of aluminum and powder coated to last. They also have channels built in for running your safety cables to keep them dragging or getting caught up by the roadway hazards. The RoadMaster Nighthawk All Terrain Towing Combo Kit # RM-9284-2 will give you the storage bags, locks, and electrical to add lighting to your Sierra so that you don't have to use the removable magnetic lighting. Less parts equals fast and easy hook ups.

Your Sierra will require the battery to be disconnected while in tow. Rather than manually doing this I recommend Automatic Battery Disconnect with Switch # RM-766. It utilizes a remote switch that can be mounted inside your cab so that your not trying to access the battery under the hood every time you tow.

Since I don't know what you are towing with I will give you two suggestions for a braking system.

For a motorhome that uses air brakes the Air Force One # SM99243 is the one I recommend. It connects with the air brakes on the motorhome so that the Sierra will only supply braking when the motorhome applies braking. It is a small unit that is mounted under the hood of your Sierra and once it is set up the first time it never needs to be reset.

For a motorhome with hydraulic brakes the Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251 will be what I recommend. This system is in my opinion the best for supplemental braking as it is one of the few systems that looks for both brake light activation and the inertia caused by using the brakes in the motorhome. Which means no false braking because you are coasting down a hill or letting the vehicles weight slow you down. It is also a one time setup so the only thing you will need to do to use the system is flip a switch once it is ready to tow.