Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2005 Chevy Cobalt Behind a Motor Home
Question:
What tow bar would be the best for towing this vehicle behind a motorhome? I dont want a high end tow bar. I am looking at buying this vehicle just for towing when I travel.
asked by: Chris H
Expert Reply:
First, according to the research I did, the 2005 Chevy Cobalt is flat towable. Consult the vehicle owners manual to confirm. There are a total of 5 items you will need to flat tow a vehicle: base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking.
Base plates: These provide a proper and secure attachment point on the vehicle for a tow bar. You can use Roadmaster EZ base plates # 523137-1. These will fit models with grille inserts but none of the base plates we carry will fit an SS model.
Tow Bar: For a tow bar, the most popular option is the Falcon 2, # RM-520. This is an upper mid-grade tow bar. I have included some links to it for you. For a more economical tow bar, I recommend the Tracker # RM-020. For this tow bar, to make the EZ base plate arms removable you would also need quick disconnects # RM-201.
Safety cables: I recommend coiled cables # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. Cables are a fail safe device should the vehicle become disconnected from the RV.
Lighting: You will need to be able to power the lights on the Cobalt. I recommend the bulb and socket kit # RM-155 because you will not have to cut into the vehicle wiring for installation.
Supplemental Braking: Most states now require a supplemental braking system on the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use in the Even Brake, # RM-9400. This is a supplemental system that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the RV is braking. This reduces wear and tear on both vehicles and is the safest way to stop.
I have also included a helpful link to our FAQ articles on flat towing for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Blue Ox 7-Wire to 4-Wire, Coiled Electrical Cord - 7' Long
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Adapters
- 7 Round - Blade to 4 Round
- Coiled Cord
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox 4-Wire, Coiled Electrical Cord with 4-Way, Round Plugs
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Extensions
- 4 Round to 4 Round
- Coiled Cord
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Coupler Style
- Fixed
- Steel
- 5000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Stores Separately
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
Replacement Roadmaster Tow Bar Quick Disconnect Kit
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Quick Disconnects
- Car Side and Tow Bar Side
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - Car Mount - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Coupler Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Stores on Car
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
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