Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 Behind an RV w/Discontinued Roadmaster Tow Bar
Question:
I am looking to get base plates for a Roadmaster All Terrain tow bar that has an 8000 rating. I believe it is the prior bar. I currently have a Stowmaster which is not adequate for my 2016 Silverado with 2 Harleys in the back. Will the 3167-1 work with the Roadmaster All Terrain 8000ib version? Can it hadle the 8000 lbs? PS I have bought multiple bars and even more mounts from you and you have been great
asked by: John S
Expert Reply:
First let me say that I am glad to hear that the tow bars/base plates have worked out for you and thank you for your continued business!
The Roadmaster base plates # 3167-1 for the 2015 Chevy Silverado are compatible with all Roadmaster tow bars, past and present. There are several Roadmaster tow bars that have an All-Terrain version so I assume you have either the Eagle or the Blackhawk but it really doesn't matter in this case since they are all compatible.
There are a few other things you will need (if you don't have them already) including safety cables. I recommend set # RM-653 because they are rated for 10,000 pounds which more than covers the capacity of the tow bar.
For lighting you have several options. The 4-diode kit # RM-154 is a popular option for the Silverado. It also looks like the battery has to be disconnected to flat tow the truck. Consult the owner's manual to confirm. Please research GM Technical Service Bulletin 13-00-89-007 for info on disconnecting the battery. We do have battery disconnect # RM-766 but it cannot be used on diesel models or models with dual batteries.
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.
To ensure the braking system works properly you will also need stop light switch kit # RM-751463. Also, if your vehicle's brake lights do not illuminate when the vehicle is off or if the ignition is in the "tow" position, the listed stop light switch kit is required. Similarly the # RM-88400 relay is required to prevent the towed vehicle's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn. The relay is not required if you use magnetic tow lights.
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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster 80" Coiled Safety Cables - Double Hook - 10,000 lbs - Qty 2
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 80 Inch Long
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Stop Light Switch
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Auto Battery Disconnect
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Light Relay
- Roadmaster
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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