What Parts Are Needed for Flat Towing a 1997 Suzuki Sidekick with Automatic Transmission
Question:
I have a diesel pusher and want to tow a 97 Suzuki sidekick JX. It has an automatic with a 4-cylinder. I have a Blue OX on the RV and everything is licensed in Nevada. Questions: Can the Suzuki with AT be flat-towed? How hard to convert the front wheels to manual locking hubs? What is needed to put onto the Suzuki as far as attachment points for the Blue Ox?
asked by: Jim M
Expert Reply:
The best way to confirm your Sidekick's suitability for flat towing is to check the owner's manual under the heading recreational towing or by checking with your local dealership using your VIN number. Generally, a vehicle with automatic transmission is less likely to be flat-towable and may require use of a tow dolly like the Roadmaster # RM-2050-1. Other cars may need special preparation steps before towing them wheels-down. Your manual/dealership will clarify this for you. My online research did not uncover an owner's manual I could review for you.
Flat towing requires 5 basic components: tow bar, base plates on the towed car, safety cables, a wiring/lighting kit and a supplementary braking system which is legally required in most states and provinces. The linked article covers each of these items and the options available within each product category.
The linked page will show you all base plates offered for the various versions of the '97 Sidekick. Use the Select Vehicle Style drop-down menu bar at the top of the page to choose your version and then see compatible base plates. If you have a 4-Door 4-Wheel Drive Sport then the base plate for you is # BX3509.
If you have a Blue Ox tow bar you're better off with their base plates as this will avoid the cost and added complexity of the adapter needed to mate that tow bar to another brand of base plate. For safety cables I recommend the Roadmaster # RM-643 because their coiled design prevents them from dragging. The simplest wiring/lighting option is a magnetic kit like # TL21RK from Optronics that requires no cutting into the car's wiring.
Finally, for a braking system, the simplest to use by far is the Blue Ox Patriot, part # BLU37TR which is easy to install and fully portable.
I do not know about the difficulty of changing out your hubs; that is a question best suited to your local dealership.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
Roadmaster Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes - 4,250 lbs
- Trailers
- Tow Dolly
- Wheel Decks
- 4250 lbs
- Cars/Trucks/SUVs
- 8-1/2W x 12L Foot
- Powder Coated Steel
- 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 >
Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Optronics
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 72" Harness, Circuit Tester and Wire Taps
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- 6 Feet Long
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
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