Towing a 2007 Toyota Solara with a Chevy 3500 Pickup

Question:

I need to tow my 2007 Toyota Solara behind my Chevy K3500 truck which has a mount with 2 ball already in place used to tow 18 ft boat hundreds of miles. Trip will be 2200 miles with steep hills, Interstate hwys. What apparatus do I need to safely tow this vehicle, please? Is there a need to disconnect the transmission as the wheels will be, presumably, on the ground?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

There a few ways to do this. If your 2007 Toyota Solara has a manual transmission you can use a tow bar ans base plates to tow your vehicle. If your vehicle has the U151E transmission you would need a transmission lube pump to flat tow the vehicle or you could rent a tow dolly, which would hold the front wheels off the ground. You could also rent a 16 foot car hauler trailer. If your vehicle has the U250E transmission you will have to use a tow dolly or trailer to transport the Solara.

If you plan to purchase a tow bar, like part # 63180. Base plates would be required for your vehicle, you
could use the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BX3774, and an adapter, # BX8833. Keep in mind that the Tow Ready tow bar is rated for towing at 45 miles per hour or less, see instructions link. A better option may be the Blue Ox Adventurer Tow Bar, # BX7322, which does not have the speed limitation and does not require and adapter to attach to the base plates.

With this option you will also need wiring for the Solara. I recommend the bulb and socket kit, # BX8869, along with the Blue Ox Tow Bar Wiring, # BX8861.

Finally you will need a braking system to help safely stop your truck and the towed vehicle. The Blue Ox Patriot Brake System, # BRK2010, is one of the easiest systems to install and use.

I have linked some articles on flat towing that you may find helpful also.