Base Plates and Equipment Needed to Flat Tow 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Behind Motorhome  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Your 2021 Chevy Silverado is capable of being flat towed if its a 4WD model with a 2 speed transfer case.

If its a 2WD model or a 4WD model with a single speed transfer case, you'll need to tow the vehicle with a trailer.

If the vehicle is capable of being flat towed according to the guidelines above, you'll need the following parts to do so safely. You'll need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, a wiring connection so the vehicle's taillights work in conjunction with those of the motorhome, a supplemental braking system and possibly a high/low adapter. I'll run through some recommendations below.

For base plates, I'd recommend the Roadmaster Direct Connect base plate kit, part # RM-523199-5 which are compatible with gas engine equipped models only. If you have a Diesel, I'd recommend the Demco # DM9519342.

For a tow bar, the # C19745 you'd looked at isn't something I'd recommend. They're difficult to hook up, because the vehicle would need to be perfectly centered behind the tow vehicle and the pavement would need to be flat as a pool table so everything lines up evenly. Plus, when not being used, the tow bar would either need to be removed, or would need to fold up against the front of your truck.

The Roadmaster Falcon All-Terrain Tow Bar, part # RM-522 would be much easier to use. When not needed, it folds up and locks into place against the rear of the motorhome. The tow bar is self aligning so the vehicle doesn't need to be perfectly positioned behind the motorhome and the bar is non-binding so the terrain you're on won't need to be perfectly flat to get everything connected properly. This will connect right up to the Roadmaster base plate I recommended, but if you use the Demco base plate, you'll also need the # RM-031 adapter.

For safety cables, use # RM-643. For wiring, I recommend a diode system like the # RM-152-98146-7. For a supplemental braking system, a portable unit like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR wouldn't require the expensive and involved installation process needed for permanently mounted braking systems. Plus, the system can easily be transferred to a different vehicle in the future if needed.

The owner's manual also mentions before flat towing, the negative battery terminal must be disconnected. You can do this manually, but a push button disconnect like # RM-766 is much easier to use.

Finally, if the installed height of the base plate has a height difference greater than 3 inches compared to the height of the hitch on the motorhome, you'll need a high/low adapter. I'll link to an article that shows how to take that measurement, and also to a list of the adapters we offer.

I've also linked to some install videos that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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