Recommended Equipment to Flat Tow 2017 Cadillac Escalade 4WD with RV That Has Air Brakes
Question:
I am looking for a air brake system that I can use and brake lights wiring system. I would like to install the air force one air braking system. But I have to disconnect my battery terminal to tow my vehicle. And I would like to know what lighting wire harness kit To use with LED taillights. I was thinking of using the SMI Air Force One supplementing brake system Item# 99243. The light kit # RM-15267. Tow Bar #BX7445 Base Plate #BX1716. What is your opinion on everything in my list. I have airbrakes on my RV.
asked by: Eric F
Expert Reply:
Flat towing a vehicle behind an RV requires a few items, including base plates, a tow bar and a braking system among others. These and all other items for safe and legal flat towing are outlined in the linked article. To flat tow a 4WD Escalade it must have a 2-speed transfer case that has both Neutral and 4WD Low settings.
Blue Ox base plate kit # BX1716 is a good choice for your 4WD. Our in-house installers like the Blue Ox gear. For a tow bar I suggest their Alpha # BX7380 which includes the required safety cables. The SMI Air Force One braking system # SM99243 is a good choice for an RV with air brakes if you don't mind a serious installation process, and you'll also need the stop light switch kit # RM-751463. An alternative is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR which is both wireless and fully portable. This does not require modifying the vehicle and it is easily transferred to others if the need arises.
For lighting you have options shown on the linked page. For any of them you will use the Quick Battery Disconnect kit # RM-766. Kits include easy-to-use magnetic lights like # TL21RK as well as hardwire diode kits like # RM-154. Owners of newer vehicles often prefer the less-intrusive installation of magnetic lights.
High-low hitch adapters are also linked for you along with articles on how to select one, and also an article for braking systems. Ideally you want to tow bar to be level when connected.
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 >
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 >
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Pole Flat Connectors
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Stop Light Switch
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Auto Battery Disconnect
- Roadmaster
more information >
Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Demco
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
Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: How To Know If Your Tiffin Motorhome Has A Towed Air Brake Setup Or BrakeSync
- Article: Must-Have Flat Towing Components
- Q&A: Which is Better Roadmaster or Blue Ox Tow Bar
- Q&A: Recommended Parts to Flat Tow a 2021 Chevy Tahoe Premiere
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Does the Air Force One Activate the Towed Vehicles Brakes When the Exhaust Brake Is Used
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2024 Ram 1500 Behind Motorhome With Roadmaster Tow Bar
- Q&A: Does Bumper Need to Be Removed to Install Blue Ox Base Plates on a 2017 Ram 1500
- Q&A: Blue Ox Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: How to Choose a High-Low Adapter
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 6-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams