Best Flat Tow Setup For 2016 Cadillac Escalade

Question

Question:

Have a customer with a 2016 Escalade that’s interested in setting it up for flat towing behind their RV…it soulds like they want lights and brakes also. I see the mount kit and tow bar kit, but whats available in regards to lighting and braking to go with this? Is there anything plug and play, or does it all have to be spliced in?

asked by: Shawn G

0

Expert Reply:

Hey Shawn, thanks for reaching out. Yes, we can provide all the parts needed for your customer to flat tow their Escalade. Here is what I recommend:

- Curt Custom Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # C52KR

- etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue Ox and Curt Base Plates - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6K lbs # e47ZR

- Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord # RM-15267

- Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only # RM-766

- Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25

- Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Wireless Monitor - Proportional # DM86VR

That will cover all the main components including the tail light wiring and braking system. There aren't any custom plug-in options for the brake light wiring, so that diode kit will be your best bet. It does require splicing in the diodes, but they are completely safe and fine to use and won't interfere with any of the vehicles electrical systems. They come highly recommended for pretty much any vehicle. The battery disconnect is required, and the charge line is highly recommended for keeping the battery topped off. The power draw from the braking system is minimal, but still a good idea to keep the battery topped off at all times.

They may end up needing a drop hitch like part # BLU28XR to compensate for any height differences between the base plate arms and the hitch on your RV. Any difference of more than 3" will require a drop hitch. I also recommend grabbing a cover # e76FV and a hitch lock # e98881 to protect the tow bar. Especially if they plan to store the tow bar on the back of the motorhome like a lot of folks do.

Will this be the customers first time flat towing?

expert reply by: Jesse M

0

Rich

8/6/2026

honest review, hands down for flat towing, the Curt base plate C52KR is the best choice, it is a little thicker than the blue ox, i have had both, so blue ox pins don't fix the curt they are to small.. for tow bar, the bigger the better, for the cost, the stronger the bar you have the better, i use the blue ox 10.k it not that much more and much stronger wiring, i done the splicing in the past, but if they make it for your year and model, buy the Hopkin or curt Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit, no wires to worry about cutting it is plug and play, you just unplug from your tail lights and plug in, no cut wires.. cost is about the same some kits may even cost less. and far less work to install, save an hour install time and safer as you never cut any factory wires, this should always be the first option if a kit is made for your auto. YOU MUST disconnect battery. Demco Battery Disconnect Switch Part Number: DM63FRRoadmaster, low cost, easy to install, simple to use and no extra wires to run to cab area or switch's to install. and by simple design no parts to fail also other option Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only Part Number: RM-766. also just removing the battery cable is a option but a pain to do each time you tow. brakes: if your coach has air, the 2 option are air force one, i prefer the roadmaster brake master for several reason, no vacuum lines to cut, less time to install. and no cylinder for your foot to hit as it is remove when not in use by a simple pin. if you have a spartan chassis it is AFO kit is install on coach, just buy the fitting adapter to use the brake master, also saves about 1.4 the cost as well. Curt Tow Bar 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord w/ 6-Way Socket - 7' Long Part Number: C59HR good news you don't need a charging wire UNLESS you use something like brake buddy and need power inside your cab as you disconnect from battery so nothing is drawing power inside, even lights are power from the coach i done a few, but my 2018 Tahoe i used Curt C52KR tow bar Blue Ox Avail 10,000 lbs BX7420 for brakes: Roadmaster BrakeMaster for RVs w/ Air or Air-Over-Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional Part Number: RM-9160 light wiring: CURT 58966 Custom Towed-Vehicle RV Wiring Harness. i also mounted the air line, 6 way plug and brake away behind license plate. yes 2 screws to remove, but you never see anything once you put plate back on, makes a clean looking install. this is the 5th auto i done, this is by far the least cost, the easiest to install and best looking when done.. now if your RV is a gas ford chassis you need to use something different for braking as the 2 options i listed are for air systems and truly a better choice and better braking.

Jesse M.

8/6/2026

@Rich Thanks for taking the time to share your setup, Rich. That's a lot of great firsthand information, and I appreciate you including the parts that worked well for you. I'm sure your experience and installation tips will help others planning a flat tow setup make a more informed decision.

Best Flat Tow Setup For 2016 Cadillac Escalade

Products Featured in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Continue Researching