Why Is A Supplemental Braking System Needed When Flat Towing A Vehicle

Published 12/30/2024

Question:

Hi I have a 2024 ram 3500 dually with the 6.7 420 hp 1050 lbs torque also has the aisin transmit and 410 gears the manual says you legally can tow 3000 pounds without a supplemental brake system I tow a 21 foot zieman flat bed trailer single axel without brakes and my 1700 pound Yamaha wolverine side by side probably 2700 pounds without brakes out brakes so why would I need a supplemental brake system on a Chevy spark weighing 2100 pounds

asked by: Tom

Ram 3500
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hi Tom,

There are different laws for flat towing a vehicle and trailer a towing so depending on where you live or where you plan on travelling to you may or may not need a supplemental braking system. We always recommend one regardless because it's the safest way to tow your vehicle and puts less of a burden on the tow vehicle's suspension.

Each state has some pretty specific rules on whether or not you need a braking system like the weight of the vehicle, the stopping distance when hooked up to said vehicle, etc. so you'll want to check into it to avoid a state trooper nailing you with a huge fine. Missouri is really the only state with lax enough laws to get away without a braking system.

If you still haven't picked out your flat towing components for the Spark and need some help just let me know in the comments below and I'd be happy to make some recommendations for you.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Tom

12/30/2024

Yes if you could recommend the most affordable equipment that would work good for the spark that would be fantastic also where and how much would it cost to install or is it something I could do my self I saw the video on installing the baseplate and break away switch but not real Davy with electrical unless the instructions are simple I’m 65 and it’s getting hard to get back up from laying on the ground I’m not young anymore

Kevin C.

12/30/2024

@Tom The five main components for flat towing are a baseplate, tow bar, tow bar wiring kit (traffic lights), braking system, and safety cables. For your 2016 Chevy Spark you'll need the following: Baseplate: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-523185-5. This is very labor intensive and would likely be harder than it's worth to do for you. I've attached a link below to our installer locator where you can enter in your zip code and find local shops to get it installed at. Tow Bar: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates # e74ZR. This tow bar comes with safety cables bracketed to the arms to prevent them from dragging on the ground and so that you don't have to store them somewhere else when you're done towing. The head/shank has a built in rise/drop and tilting function to help keep it level between the two vehicles. If you still find the height difference is too much you can check out the high/low adapter article I've attached below, which will walk you through measuring for the correct adapter to keep the tow bar level. Tow Bar Wiring Kit: If you have LED tail lights you'll need the Roadmaster Smart Diode Kit for Variable Voltage LED Tail Lights # RM38FR. If you have incandescent tail lights then you'll need the Roadmaster Smart Diode Kit # RM26FR instead. These diode kits will splice into the factory wiring to display the traffic signals from the tow vehicle through the tail lights of the Spark. In my opinion this part is very easy but if you don't like getting under the car to run wiring or cutting into existing wiring then this might also be something to pass over to the install shop. Braking System: Since this isn't being towed by a motorhome you'll need a portable system like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. This system would sit between the brake pedal and driver's seat and activate the brake pedal as the vehicle starts to slow down. You will need to install a 12v outlet # RM-9332 to a constant power source (battery) in order to power the Patriot. The factory outlets in your Spark will shut off when the vehicle isn't running so a completely separate outlet is needed. You could have a shop install the 12v outlet but you'll want to learn how to setup the Patriot since this requires installation every time you want to flat tow. **** Note: If your Spark has an automatic transmission you will not be able to flat tow and would need to dolly tow instead with a dolly like the Roadmaster Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes # RM-2050-1****

Helpful Links

faq-high-low-adapter.aspx

installer/near-me/pulaski-tn/tow-bar-base-plate

tv-review-roadmaster-tow-dolly-rm-2050-1.aspx