Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71
Question:
I am looking at the tow bar #63180 for my 2000 Silverado I will also need a base plate and what ever else is needed to make a safe tow. Also can I install this myself?
asked by: James S
Expert Reply:
We have everything you will need, but I would not recommend the Tow Ready part # 63180 unless this is for a one-time short distance situation since this tow bar is only rated for up to 45 MPH. Instead the Blue Ox Alpha # BX7380 would be your best option because it has a 6,500 lb capacity like what you would need for your 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71. This tow bar also comes with coiled safety cables which are required as well.
For a base plate kit the part # BX1682 would fit and work well.
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 Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, 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.
Most likely you will also need a high low adapter so that the tow bar will be level when you are flat towing. I attached a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.
All these parts would be easily installed as long as you have the time, needed tools, and basic mechanical skills.
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
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 >
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6500 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Blue Ox
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500 4WD
- Search Results: tow bars
- Shop: Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Shop: Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Roadmaster MX Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Video: Review of Blue Ox Base Plates - Replacement Attachment Tab Assembly - BLU37XR
- Article: What Is a Supplemental Braking System?
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: towing bar
- Search Results: tow bar
- Video: Roadmaster Tow Bar Wiring - Splices into Vehicle Wiring - RM-15267 Review
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Search Results: base plates
- Video: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System Installation - 2022 Ford F-150
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Video: Review of Blue Ox Tow Bar Braking Systems - Patriot Portable Braking System - BLU37TR
- Q&A: Which is Better Roadmaster or Blue Ox Tow Bar
- Search Results: base plate
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: blue ox
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Blue Ox Patriot Radio Frequency Portable Braking System Review
on Tow Bar
