Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 with 4WD

Question:

I have a 2017 Silverado 1500 4wd that I would like to flat tow behind my Thor Miramar RV 2015 Ford 53 chassis. I would like suggestions on the best package of components to do this with some flexibility to change tow vehicles in the future. For example, it would help if the break controller and perhaps the lighting system could be moved to a Jeep Gladiator or Wrangler at some point. I know the base plates will need to be specific to the Silverado. Thanks

asked by: David F

Helpful Expert Reply:

We can definitely help put together a list of parts that will allow you to transfer most of them at least partially to a new vehicle at some point. You will want to consult your owner's manual as well and follow any vehicle specific instructions before flat towing.

Starting with a baseplate for your 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500, I recommend using the Roadmaster MX Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-3176-3. This base plate kit has removable arms to give you a clean front end when you're not flat towing, and these are made with a durable powder coating to withstand the elements when they're installed. The tow bar I recommend is the Roadmaster Nighthawk # RM-676 which has an 8k capacity and Roadmaster has a lot of great solutions to use this tow bar with Jeep Gladiator/Wranglers, so it's going to easily swap over in the future. The Nighthawk also comes with safety cables integrated into the bar.

The other components you'll need in your flat towing setup are tow bar wiring, supplemental braking and potentially a tow bar high/low adapter. For the wiring I recommend using the Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Kit # RM-154, which can be swapped to the new vehicle with some replacement diodes # RM-792.

For supplemental braking I recommend using a portable system that can easily be swapped between vehicles; it will require setup each time you need to tow, but it would be the best solution if you know you'll be swapping vehicles in the near future. I recommend using the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, which is a portable system that provides proportional braking for your towed vehicle. You will need the 12v Accessory Outlet Kit # RM-9332 to tap into your charge line and provide power for the Patriot. The Patriot can be easily transferred to your new vehicle, along with most of the wiring.

I also recommend using the Automatic Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Supplemental Braking System # RM-766 and the charge line kit for your vehicle battery # RM-156-25 to maintain your battery while towing if you don't already have one installed.

I've also linked some helpful articles, including one on how to correctly measure to determine if you'll need a high/low adapter and a link to our entire selection of flat towing adapters for you to check out.