Flat Tow 2003 Chevy Silverado  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

First it is necessary to check your vehicle specific owners manual for towing. While many vehicles are identified as having the abilty to be flat towed occasionally a specific trim package (such as the Z-71) may have features that require a different approach or eliminates the option of flat towing. If your truck is a 1500HD, 2500, or 3500, the Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit with removable arms, # 3115-1 is a confirmed fit to the 2003 Chevy Silverado.

For a tow bar, I suggest the Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar, # RM-422. This also requires the use of safety cables, Roadmaster 80" Coiled Safety Cables - Double Hook - 10,000 lbs - Qty 2, # RM-653.

For lighting, the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit, # RM-15267. This Lets you wire your vehicle to accept your RV's tail, brake, and turn signal lights for flat towing.

You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply 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.

Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.

expert reply by: Michael R

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