Can Roadmaster Base Plates be Used with Blue Ox Tow Bars to Flat Tow a 1998 Chevy Lumina

Question:

Will your base plate work with a blue ox tow bar model 5000? Is the base plate installation a dyi project? Can a 1998 chevy Lumina be towed four wheels down without modifications?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

We do have adapters to allow the Roadmaster Base Plates, # 172-5, to work with Blue Ox tow bars. If you have an Aventa, Aventa II, Kar Bar, Aladdin, Alexxa, or Acclaim RV-mounted tow bar, or an A-frame Blue Ox tow bar with 1 or 3 pronged attachments, you can use RoadMaster Base Plate to Blue Ox and Demco Tow Bars Adapter, # RM-033 or # RM-032. Base plate installation can be moderately difficult, but if you have experience with automotive projects you will be able to perform the installation at home.

You will need to check with the manufacturer and/or your vehicle owners manual for instructions on the proper procedure for towing your vehicle because some vehicles must be equipped with a transmission lube pump, an axle disconnect, drive line disconnect, or free-wheeling hubs before they can be towed.

To complete the towing set up for your Lumina, you will need safety cables, lighting, and a supplemental braking system as required by law. For safety cables, I recommend RoadMaster 64 inch Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables, # RM-643. The base plates provide attachment points for the cables. The other end will attach to the hitch on the towing vehicle.

For lights, there are a couple of options. If you do not plan on towing the car often, I recommend magnetic light kit # RM-2120. If you do plan on towing it frequently, I recommend installing diodes, # 38955. I have included a video along with a couple of FAQ articles on tow bar wiring that should help in choosing the best light kit for your application along with how to go about wiring them.

For a braking system, the easiest to use and install would be the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Proportional Braking System, # RM-9400. This system installs quickly so you are ready to go in minutes. It engages the towed vehicle brakes proportionally to how much the towing vehicle is braking, reducing wear of both vehicles brakes.