Best Base Plates for a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500HD 4WD
Question:
Which base plate is the best for me? I have a 2002 GMC 1500 HD Sierra 4x4. When I look at the installation pdf It has different specs than what I see on the front of my truck. I would like more information than what I find online. My frame doesnt look the same as the diagram. One rv shop I went to said they would have to remove the front bumper etc. To install the base plate really???. That seemed extreme to me that was for a blue ox. Is there a simpler solution? My truck has a round crossmember running perpendicular between the frame rails right behind the front tow hooks.
asked by: Darcen B
Expert Reply:
There is a base plate that will fit your 2002 GMC Sierra 1500HD 4WD that does not require removing the bumper at all, which is why I recommend it - the Demco Classic Base Plate Kit # DM9517101.
To install these base plates you will need to remove your tow hooks by unbolting them, and the base plates will go in the slot where the tow hooks were. It is the easiest installation among the options for base plates for your 2002 Sierra 1500HD and won't require the precise measurements and detailed installation that the other base plates for your truck need. Additionally, in order to flat tow your '02 Sierra there are a number of other parts you'll need, and I'll recommend the best options for you.
- Tow Bar: Demco Commander II Non-Binding Tow Bar # DM9511012
- Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267
- Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-88400
- Supplemental Braking System: Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251
OR
- For a motorhome with air brakes: Demco SBS Air Force One Supplemental Braking System for Motorhomes with Air Brakes # SM99243
The Excali-Bar tow bar is the best option because it has long arms which make it easier to maneuver when towing, along with integrated safety cables and an adjustable tilting head so a high-low adapter won't be needed. The Flexo-Coil wiring kit is designed to prevent any type of electrical feedback to keep your truck's electrical system safe, and both the Stay-IN-Play DUO and Air Force One are strongly recommended because they are one-time installs which will never require any type of removal or reactivation, and give you braking proportional to that of your motorhome. This results in much smoother braking than most systems which send out a pre-set amount of braking power and thus are more rigid.
Additionally, I have added links to instruction manuals and video reviews for you to take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
Demco Commander II Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Demco Base Plates
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Demco
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Light Relay
- Roadmaster
more information >
Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Demco
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 >
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