Is Modification Needed to Front Bumper of 1989 Suzuki Sidekick with the Demco Base Plate Kit

Question:

I am interested in the Demco, because it seems to be a subtle, permanent base plate. First of all how do I determine which tow bars will work with it? Also, it looks like some of the other brands may require that I cut the platic of my front bumper. I prefer to avoid that if at all possible. I haBRK2019ve a 1989 Suzuki Sidekick,.

asked by: Matt C

Expert Reply:

If you check out the attached photos of the Demco Classic Base Plate Kit # DM9518016 installed on a Suzuki Sidekick you can see that the arms to sit lower so there will be no fascia trimming. I confirmed this with my contact at Demco but if you want to be sure you can refer to the photos and where the tabs sit just to be sure.

All of the Demco tow bars (Commander II # DM9511012, and Dominator # DM9511008) are compatible with this base plate kit, as well as some of the Blue Ox tow bars. I recommend going with the Commander # DM9511010 as it mounts directly into a hitch receiver, uses telescoping arms, and has a non-binding feature. All of the Demco tow bars come with safety cables as well.

To complete your flat towing setup you also need vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter.

If you plan on doing quite a bit of flat towing with your 1989 Suzuki Sidekick then I recommend installing the Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 and the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251 braking system. These permanently install on your Sidekick and require very little effort to get ready for flat towing. You can add the Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25 as well to keep your battery charged.

If you don't plan on flat towing very often then magnetic lights like the Optronics # TL21RK and a removable braking system like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR may quit your needs better. These are pretty easy to set up as well but they aren't as plug and play as the options mentioned above.

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.

Be sure to check out your owner's manual for any specific instructions when it comes to flat towing your Sidekick as well.