Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2002 Chevy S-10 Manual Transmission
Question:
Can I flat tow a 2002 S-10 5 speed manual transmission without a lube pump or drive shaft coupling.I keep getting different answers.Transmission specialist says yes chevy book says no.Thanks for your help
asked by: Mike
Expert Reply:
From the research I did it looks like a drive shaft disconnect is recommended for flat towing your 2002 S-10. This is surprising to me though since typically manual transmission vehicles are good to go as-is for flat towing. All you usually have to do is put the vehicle in neutral and it is ready. However, the owners manual of a vehicle is the final authority on flat towing procedures for a vehicle.
As long as your S-10 is a 2 wheel drive truck the correct base plate kit would be the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit # 161-1.
In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon 2, # RM-520. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.
For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed vehicle. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.
And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Even Brake proportional system, # RM-9400, that applies 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.
I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing your vehicle.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
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Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
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- Diode Kit
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Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
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RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
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- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
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Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Front Receiver Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Front Mount Hitch
- 350 lbs Vert Load
- 9000 lbs Line Pull
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Square Tube
- CURT
more information >
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