Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2018 Chevy Tahoe

Question:

Can you flat tow a 2018 Chevy Tahoe behind a Motor Home

asked by: Jon

Expert Reply:

I took a look at the online version of the owner's manual for your 2018 Chevy Tahoe. It does state that the four-wheel-drive model of the 2018 Tahoe can be flat towed behind an RV/motorhome with all 4 wheels on the ground. I highly recommend both verifying this information in your copy of the manual along with reading through the guidelines and steps to take before flat towing the vehicle. This will be listed under the section titled "Recreational Vehicle Towing" in the manual. In the online version the section starts on page 372.

The two-wheel-drive model of the Tahoe cannot be flat towed with all 4 wheels on the ground.

If you do have the four-wheel-drive model then you will need a base plate kit, a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution, and a supplemental braking system to tow the vehicle.

Starting with the base plates I recommend the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit # RM-523179-5 as long as you don't have the Z71 model Tahoe. This kit features a streamlined design for a clean look and a black powder coat finish that will resist corrosion.

For a compatible tow bar that will work great with the Tahoe I recommend the Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All Terrain # RM-422. This non-binding tow bar features a 10,000 pound weight capacity and extra-long telescoping arms that will allow for better maneuverability on the road. For safety cables you can use # RM-653.

Then for a lighting solution I really like the Roadmaster Diode Kit # RM-15267. This will let you wire the Tahoe so that it accepts the needed signal lights from the RV for flat towing. It includes a 6-Way connector that will mount to the front of the vehicle along with enough coiled wiring to go from there to the 7-Way on the RV. Since the battery on your Tahoe needs to be disconnected for flat towing (check your owner's manual) you can also add the Quick Battery Disconnect # RM-766 to help simplify this process.

For a supplemental braking system I highly recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. This is an excellent proportional system that will activate the Tahoe's brakes at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in the RV. After the initial installation the system requires very little attention as you transition back and forth between flat towing and everyday driving with the Tahoe.

Lastly, you will likely need a high-low adapter in order to keep the tow bar level. I have attached an article that explains exactly how to choose the best one for your setup along with a link that will take you to our available selection.