Base Plates and Accessories to Flat Tow a 1997 Suzuki Sidekick

Question:

I have a blue ox tow bar and I need to to know what I need to make it work on this vehicle

asked by: Vic

Expert Reply:

In order to flat tow the vehicle, you would need the tow bar, base plates, wiring for the vehicle tail lights, safety cables and a supplemental braking system, depending on the state you were planning on towing the vehicle through.

Since you already have a tow bar, you would start with a base plate. Blue Ox does not offer a base plate kit that is compatible with a 2WD 4 door model Sidekick, but there is a Roadmaster Base Plate Kit, part # 1007-2 that will work, as long as your Sidekick is not the Sport Model.

In order to use your Blue Ox Aventa I, II or LX, Adventurer, Aladdin, Alpha, Ambassador, Alexxa, Acclaim or Allure tow bar with the # 1007-2 base plate, you will need an adapter, part # RM-032.

If you were not planning on flat towing the vehicle often, you might be best served by using a magnetic mounted tow light like part # TL21RK. This light would offer the benefit of being easy to install and remove. It would also remain completely independent of the wiring system in your Sidekick. For a more permanent install, a tail light isolating diode system like part # 38955 might be a better choice. Initial installation would be more involved, but once installed, you would only have to plug the connector from the RV into the connector at the front of the vehicle. I will link you to an FAQ page that outlines your various options for wiring your Sidekick.

If you do not already have safety cables, coiled cables like part # RM-643 are a good choice.

Some states mandate the use of a supplemental braking system, like the Roadmaster Even Brake, part # RM-9400. Check your local regulations.

Before flat towing your vehicle, keep in mind that some vehicles will require additional modifications in order to be flat towed. These modifications can include a transmission lube pump, drive line disconnects or removing certain fuses. Check with your owners manual or Suzuki for specifics.

I will also link you to some installation instructions and videos. The video will show a tail light isolating diode system being installed on a different vehicle, but you will be able to get a good idea of what is involved with the installation.