Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2015-2019 Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra 3500
Question:
I'm looking into getting a 3rd generation 3500 GM pickup that I will need to flat tow frequently. What do I need to do this?
asked by: Jack
Expert Reply:
The parts to flat tow a 3rd generation 3500 GM pickup will actually be almost identical whether it is a Chevy Silverado or a GMC Sierra since they are essentially the same vehicle.
To flat tow any vehicle you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. The base plate kit that I recommend for your application is the Roadmaster MS Base Plate Kit # RM-3180-2 as this fixed arm system adds a rugged look to your pickup.
The MS kit pairs nicely with the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain # RM-676 which is one of the nicest tow bars that we have to offer due to the LED lights for visibility, easy connection points, and the included safety cables. This bar also includes a partial wiring kit that you can complete with part # RM-152 which stays permanently installed on your truck.
Then for a brake system I highly recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. This is a proportional braking system that applies the brake on your truck at the same time and with the same intensity as the brake pedal in your motorhome. The proportional braking not only gives you a nice feel when you are braking but it also helps to reduce wear on your other towing components. If you purchase a Chevy Silverado with the adjustable pedals or a GMC Sierra then you will also need the Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751463. For a Chevy Silverado without the adjustable pedals you will need the Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751460 instead.
As long as you don't end up getting a diesel or a truck that has 2 batteries then the Automatic Battery Disconnect with Switch # RM-766 is a great product that makes connecting and disconnecting your battery much easier and avoids the potential of wearing down parts on your battery. The Battery Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25 is also a part we recommend as it will keep your battery from dying via the 12V charge line from your motorhome.
Most flat towing setups require a high-low adapter for the tow bar to remain level while towing. I have linked our selection of adapters for you to check out as well as an article that will help you determine which is the best one for your application.
A few other products you may be interested in includes the Tow Bar Cover # RM-055-3 and the Roadmaster Lock Set # RM-304 to help protect the Nighthawk All Terrain, and then the Tow Defender # RM-4750 to help protect your pickup from any flying road debris.
Attached are some videos and helpful articles for you to check out as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Covers and Storage
- Tow Bar Cover
- Sterling
- Eagle
- Falcon
- Blackhawk
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Battery Charge Line Kit
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Lock Set - Hitch Lock and 2 Quick-Disconnect Padlocks
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Standard Pin Lock
- Keyed Unique
- Steel
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Bent Pin
- 4 Inch Span
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Tow Defender Protective Screen for Towed Vehicles
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Vehicle Guards
- Protective Screening
- Tow Defender
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Aluminum
- 8000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Stop Light Switch
- 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 Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms
- Base Plates
- Fixed Drawbars
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2015-2018 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 3500
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms
- Shop: Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas
- Shop: Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Shop: Roadmaster Falcon All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Shop: Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All-Terrain Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Video: Review of Blue Ox Apollo Tow Bar - Hitch Mount Style - BX7470
- Search Results: tow bar
- Search Results: tow bar kit
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2015-2018 GMC Sierra 2500
- Video: Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit Review RM-751200
- Video: Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System Review
- Video: Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar Installation - 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
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- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 and 2015 Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited with Diesel Pusher
- Search Results: rm~88400
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- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Article: Must-Have Flat Towing Components
on Base Plates
Sherman E.
6/19/2020
I have a 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500, 4 wheel drive, High Country pickup. I would like to get all parts and #’s needed to purchase a trail master nighthawk To tow behind class A Motorhome.