Flat-Towing Components For 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara  

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Expert Reply:

I was unable to find the information about flat-towing your 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara, so you will need to check your owner's manual or with your dealership to see first if the vehicle can be towed and if there are restrictions when towing. On most vehicles that have 4wd and 2wd, there will be a switch in the vehicle that allows you to go from one to the other. This should be in the owner's manual as well. If you are unable to find that information I recommend contacting your dealership.

If you find that you can flat-tow your Suzuki you will need 5 items. You will need base plates for the Suzuki, a tow bar, safety cables, lighting for the towed vehicle and most states now require supplemental brake systems.

The base plates I recommend are part # 1011-1. When not towing you can remove the visible parts of the brackets.

The tow bar I recommend is the RoadMaster StowMaster Car-Mounted Tow Bar, part # RM-501. This attaches to a 2 inch diameter hitch ball.

For safety cables I recommend part # RM-643. These coiled 68 inch safety cables are vinyl coated to protect your tow bar from chipping and scratches.

For lighting I recommend using a diode kit like part # RM-154. When installing you can access the taillight wiring by removing the taillight assemblies. When installing the lighting you will need to determine if the Vitara's taillights are combined, meaning the turn signals are on the same bulb as the brake lights or separate, meaning they are on separate bulbs. I have attached a set of installation instructions for both installations you can check out.

For a supplemental brake system I recommend the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Proportional Braking System, part # RM-9400. Since there is no splicing or cutting into the vehicle wiring, you do not need to worry about voiding your vehicle or RV warranties. This will not work with vehicles that does not have power brakes.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

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