Recommended Base Plate Fit and Related Items to Flat Tow 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Behind Winnebago
Question:
I have a reese 74950 tow champ tow bar and want to flat tow my 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan behind my 1999 35foot winnabago chieftain. What base plate do I need and do I need an adapter? I would also want a braking system. Please also tell me if I need anything else. Thanks.
asked by: Dale G
Expert Reply:
Safe and legal flat towing requires a number of components: tow bar, safety cables, a wiring/lighting kit, base plates and a supplementary braking system. Each of these is detailed in the linked article.
Your Reese Tow Champ tow bar 74950 has a 5000-lb maximum vehicle weight rating according to my contact at Reese Consumer products. Your 2011 Grand Caravan has a weight range of 4321- to 4483-lbs depending on its equipment and so will be within the tow bar's rating.
Generally it is easier to use the same brand of tow bar and base plates as this avoids compatibility issues and the need for adapters, which add cost and complexity. However, for use with your Tow Champ Tow Bar 74950 we offer Blue Ox adapter kit # BX8833 to join it to base plates # BX1994.
For safety cables I suggest the coiled type (to keep them from dragging on the ground) such as # RM-643 from Roadmaster.
For a wiring kit I recommend the Roadmaster kit # RM-155 as this avoids the need to cut into the van's wiring. If you prefer the easiest option you can instead use magnetic lights such as # C6304.
For a supplementary braking system by far the easiest to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot system # BLU37TR. Instructions for all referenced items are linked for you.
Before flat towing your vehicle always check your owner's manual to be sure your exact version of the vehicle can be flat towed; not all vehicles can be.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
Curt, Reese, Valley, Draw-Tite, and EazLift Tow Bar Adapter Brackets for Blue Ox Base Plates
- Accessories and Parts
- Base Plates
- Tow Bar
- Adapters
- Blue Ox to Draw-Tite
- Blue Ox
more information >
Hopkins Magnetic Tow Lights - Red LEDs - 4-Way Flat Connector - Wireless
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- Wireless
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Hopkins
more information >
Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit with Bulbs
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Bulb and Socket Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
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