Best Parts For Flat Towing a 2017 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Behind a RV Motorhome

Updated 09/04/2025 | Published 12/10/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3470)

$575.00

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

(534)

$1599.00

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Wireless Monitor - Proportional

(791)

$1425.00

Roadmaster High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 4" Rise/Drop - 10K GTW, 400 lbs TW

(1592)

$196.54

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1306)

$45.12

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

(820)

$1545.00

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

(401)

$227.18

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

(27)

$218.96

Question:

Looking to tow my 2017 Colorado Z71, not a trailboss behind my rv. Whats the best right combination of baseplate, tow bar, electrical equipment?

asked by: Wallace F

Expert Reply:

In my experience I feel the Roadmaster products are the best for your Baseplate # RM-523182-5 and Tow Bars # RM-676 on your 2017 Chevrolet Colorado Z71. The baseplate has removable arms so when not installed you will no have any brackets sticking out on your Colorado. The tow bars have led lights improving visibility at night both while driving and when you need to either disconnect or hook up at night. You may need an adapter like 4" High-Low Adapter # RM-048-4 to level the tow bars. Your tow bars need to be within 3" of level from your motorhome to the front of the Colorado. On a Colorado with 255/65R17 tires we found the baseplate to have a height of 14-3/4" from the ground.

The RoadMaster Nighthawk All Terrain Towing Combo Kit # RM-9284-2 provides you with the electrical wiring for integrating the tail lights on your Colorado as well as the covers, lube, and locks to protect the tow bars. You will also need the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect with Switch # RM-766 to easily disconnect the battery. You will simply push a button inside your cab to disconnect/connect the battery when towing. Finally a Charge Line # RM-156-25 will maintain the battery while being flat towed. Even with the battery being disconnected from the main components on your Colorado you will still need it to power the supplemental braking system.

For the braking system the Demco's are the best and easiest to use. You will need either the Stay-IN-Play DUO # DM86VR for a RV motorhome with hydraulic brakes or their Air Force One # DM26VR for your larger RV's with air brakes. The Stay-IN-Play is installed under the hood on your Colorado and you will simply flip a switch to turn it on when ready to tow. The Air Force One works off the air line on your motorhome so once you connect the air line between your vehicles you are ready to go. Both systems use a cable actuator which is installed on your brake pedal so there are no removable parts when you need to tow.

expert reply by: Bud M

Hmark

8/31/2025

On my 2017 z1 Colorado what do I do on the dash/controls to put it into flat tow mode? There is the rotator knob next to headlights for 2/4 wheel drive and of course the P/R/D/L transmission lever in the middle.

Kate F.

9/2/2025

@Hmark Hey Hmark, I wish I could give you a play by play on what to do, but I am not allowed. I did look up your owners manual and the information that you seek about Recreational Towing can be found on page 351. Are you new to flat towing, or just getting a new car set-up?

H T.

9/2/2025

@KateF New to flat tow

Kate F.

9/2/2025

@HT Welcome to the Flat Tow World H. T. I am not sure if you were able to find our help article on the "Must-Have Flat Towing Components" so I attached the link for you. If you have any other questions about fitment, or what parts you need, just let me know. That is what I am here for =)