Accessories for Flat Towing 2001 Chevy Silverado 2WD with Manual Transmission
Question:
I need you to tell me what to order to tow flat behind a motorhome a 2001 silverado truck 2 wheel drive with manual gearbox
asked by: Patrick R
Expert Reply:
To flat tow a vehicle, you will need a base plate kit, a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution so that the towed vehicle has taillights that respond with those of the motorhome and a supplemental braking system.
There are several different Roadmaster base plate kits that might be compatible with your truck. To determine which is the correct one for your truck, you will need to locate the three threaded holes on the side of the front frame member. Use a ruler to transfer the location of the center of the middle hole to the bottom of the frame member. Then, measure the distance between your mark and the center of the oval hole in the bottom of the frame member as shown in the diagram I have provided. If this distance is 1-1/4 inches, the 131-17 will work just fine for you, as long as your Silverado is a 1/2 ton model, not a Z71 or 1500HD. If this distance is 3 inches, use part # 131-15. If your Silverado has front tow hooks that are internally bolted to the frame rail, use # 199-1.
For a tow bar, you will need to choose a model whose weight capacity meets or exceeds the curb weight of your truck. If your truck weighs under 6,000 lbs, the Roadmaster Falcon 2, part # RM-520 would be a great choice. You will also need safety cables like part # RM-645.
There are many different lighting solutions available, I will link you to an FAQ article that will run you through the various alternatives. A Magnetic Tow Light like part # RM-2120 would have the advantage of being very easy to install, and would allow the towing lights to remain completely independent of the vehicle wiring. Another option is to hardwire the connection using a diode kit like part # RM-154. Although installation is a bit involved, it would allow the existing taillights on the truck to operate along with those of the motorhome when the truck is being flat towed.
Almost every state now requires a supplemental braking system that allows the towed vehicle brakes to operate in tandem with the motorhome brakes. The Roadmaster Even Brake, part # RM-9400 is the easiest to use, but there are other options that you can see by clicking on the provided FAQ link.
You will also want to check with GM or your owners manual to determine if the vehicle is capable of being flat towed. Some vehicles require modifications in order to flat tow them safely.
I have also linked you to some other FAQ articles that you might find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster XL Crossbar Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- 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 64" Single Hook, Straight Safety Cables - 8,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Straight Cables
- 64 Inch Long
- 8000 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 Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
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