Complete Flat Towing Setup for a 4 Wheel Drive 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Question

Question:

I have a 2017 chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71 crew cab and will be towing it behind a Thor 31E class C RV. What parts do I need for a complete package to make this happen? The curb weight is about 6200 LB.

asked by: John

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Expert Reply:

If your 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the 2 wheel drive model then the vehicle cannot be towed with all four wheels down as this would likely cause damage to the vehicle's driveline components. The only way to flat tow a 2 wheel drive model is with a tow dolly. Unfortunately, we do not have a tow dolly that is compatible with your truck at this time.

If you have a 4 wheel drive model then the vehicle can be flat towed with all four wheels down. In order to do this you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, wiring harness, supplemental braking system, and possibly a high/low adapter. I have attached my recommendations for the above parts for you. I recommend taking a look at the GM Technical Service Bulletin 13-00-89-007 for proper towing procedures before getting started.

For a base plate kit that will work well with your truck, I recommend taking a look at the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit part # RM-3176-1. The XL Base Plate Kit comes with removable arms for a clean look while not attached to the RV. For a tow bar that is compatible with the above base plate kit, I recommend taking a look at the Roadmaster Sterling All Terrain part # RM-576 which comes with safety cables. The non-binding design allows you to release your vehicle at any time, anywhere even on unlevel ground.

For a wiring harness that is needed to allow the RV to activate the vehicle lights, the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit part # RM-15267 would work well for you and for a supplemental braking system, the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System part # SM99251 is one of our more popular options. The inertia sensor detects deceleration and signals system to activate brake pedal with proportionate amount of pressure. If you have the adjustable pedals, then you will need the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit part # RM-751463. If you do not have the adjustable pedals then you will need the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit part # RM-751488.

Since the owners manual recommends disconnecting the battery while towing, you will need a battery disconnect like the Deka Lead Quick-Disconnect Battery Terminal part # DW05312 and the 12 Volt Outlet Kit part # RM-9332 as this will allow you to power on the braking system while the battery is unhooked from the vehicle.

The last item you may or may not need depending on the distance from the ground to the top of the trailer hitch receiver tube opening in relation to the distance from the ground to the middle of the base plate kit is a high/low adapter. I have attached an article that will help you determine if one is required in addition to a link of our available selection.

There are also several installation videos of the above products on very similar trucks that you can use for reference if you will be installing any of these items on your own.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Answer 1

For your 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 4WD you would want the Roadmaster Base Plate kit part #RM-3176-3 which is a confirmed fit and would work well with your Blackhawk tow bar #RM-422. For safety cables you can use #RM-643. The coiled design helps…

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Answer 2

To flat tow your 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, you will need the following components: tow bar, base plate kit, safety cables, wiring, supplemental braking system and, possibly, a high-low adapter. I will give my recommendations for each of these…

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Answer 3

A 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x4 can be flat towed behind a motorhome with all four wheels down. In order to do so, you'll need a base plate kit, safety cables, tow bar, tow bar wiring, and braking system. I have attached a list of all…

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Answer 4

We can definitely help put together a list of parts that will allow you to transfer most of them at least partially to a new vehicle at some point. You will want to consult your owner's manual as well and follow any vehicle specific…

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Answer 5

According to the owner's manual for a 2018 Ford F-150 you will need to do the following for a 4WD to get it in the Neutral position for flat towing: 1 - Put the ignition in the on position, but do not start the engine. If your vehicle has…

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Answer 6

Yes, you can flat tow your 2017 Chevy Colorado with 4-wheel drive (so long as it does not have Adaptive Cruise Control), and we do have all of the parts needed, starting with base plates. For those, due to the hidden look and removable arms they…

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Answer 7

According to the owner's manual of your 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500, Step 11 of the instructions to dinghy tow, it says: "If the vehicle has an ignition key, keep it in the towed vehicle in ACC/ACCESSORY to prevent the steering column…

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Answer 8

You would not lock out the steering on the vehicle being flat towed. Doing so would cause the wheels to scrub (drag sideways) when turning. The steering needs to be unlocked and the wheels will turn accordingly and straightened back out when…

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Complete Flat Towing Setup for a 4 Wheel Drive 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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