Can Blue Ox Base Plate Kit 1674 and Aladdin Tow Bar be Used to Safely Flat Tow a 2012 GMC Sierra  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1674 was designed to fit your 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT and will handle the weight just fine. I believe what you are referring to are the warnings about making sure that your tow bar is rated properly and that you don't use an adapter with a vehicle that weighs over 5,000 lbs. Since your (discontinued) Blue Ox Aladdin Tow Bar BX4325 is rated for 7,500 lbs and fits directly up to this base plate kit you don't have to worry about those warnings.

To complete your flat towing setup you also need safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. Your Aladdin tow bar should have come with safety cables but if it didn't or you don't have them anymore we have replacements as part # BX88196.

For wiring I recommend the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit # HM56101 because it tees right in to the existing wiring on your pickup and no splicing is required. If your motorhome doesn't have a 4-Way flat connection point then the Flexo-Coil Kit # RM-146-7 is a great way to attach the Hopkins to a 7-Way. Adding the Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25 will help to keep your battery from draining as well.

Then for a braking system I recommend the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR which is a portable option that is very easy to setup. Since this doesn't permanently install you don't have to worry about splicing into your wiring or cutting through your firewall.

A lot of flat towing setups might require the use of a high-low adapter to keep the tow bar level while towing a vehicle. I have linked a helpful article for you to reference to see if this applies to you. If it does then I have also linked our selection of adapters for you to filter through. Please note the weight ratings of each high-low adapter as well.

expert reply by: Jon G

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