Recommended Parts To Flat Tow 2005 Chevy Colorado Z71

Question:

Best way to tow a 2005 Chevy Colorado Z71 automatic

asked by: Daniel T

Expert Reply:

I found the owner's manual for the 2005 Chevy Colorado Z71 and if the Colorado is 2 wheel drive it should not be towed with all 4 wheels on the ground because the transmission has no provisions for internal lubrication while being towed. In this case you would want a dolly to tow.

If your Colorado is 4 wheel drive, it can be towed with all 4 wheels on the ground behind the motor home. I recommend the Demco Classic base plate kit part # DM9518171 as long as the Chevy Colorado is not an Xtreme model. The Demco is a more versatile design that allows for adapters to be used if you need to use another brand tow bar. The installation is also a bit easier compared to other brand base plates.

I recommend the Demco Excali-Bar III Non-Binding Tow Bar part # DM9511013 because of the triggers on the arms that release the tow bar on uneven ground compared to other tow bars that require a level surface to disconnect the bars.

The wiring you need is Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit part # RM-15267 to wire your vehicle to accept the RV'S tail, brake and turn signals.

For the supplemental braking system that most states require I recommend the Stay-IN-Play Duo part # SM99251 because of its convenient design that does not require removal when you get to your destination and want to drive the towed vehicle. When the RV brakes the main unit that installs under the hood of the vehicle sends a signal to a small cylinder that then presses the brake pedal in conjunction with the RV braking. It is more of a maintenance free solution compared to the other braking systems that need to be setup each time in the floor board of the vehicle which can become inconvenient.

The last thing you may need is a high low adapter to tow the Chevy Colorado level with the motor home. If you measure from the top of the hitch receiver to the ground and then measure from the center of where the base plate will install on the Chevy to the ground. The difference between those two measurements is the rise or drop you may need in a high low adapter. I have attached the selection of high low adapters we have available at this time.

Please let me know if the Chevy Colorado is an Xtreme model and I can recommend different parts for you.

expert reply by: Heather A

Daniel T.

1/1/0001

Best way to tow a 2005 Chevy Colorado Z71 automatic

Heather A.

7/5/2019

If the 2005 Chevy Colorado Z71 has two-wheel-drive then you would want to tow it on a dolly with the rear wheels off the ground. Make sure to set the parking brake and put the transmission in park. Follow the Dolly manufacturers instructions to attach and secure the vehicle being towed on the dolly and make sure the wheels are straight. Once you have the vehicle on the tow dolly, release the parking brake and turn the ignition to lock before towing.