What is Needed To Make 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Ready to be Flat Towed?
Question:
I want to flat tow my 2021 silverado 1500 4wd gas engine but am not sure what I need to do so it can be safely be flat towed. Can you help?
asked by: Calvin R
Expert Reply:
Absolutely!
As long as your 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 has the two-speed transfer case it can be flat towed behind your motorhome. With the truck connected to your motorhome you will start the truck, put the transfer case in neutral, verify it is in neutral by putting the truck in drive and reverse and seeing if it moves, then shift the truck back to drive. Next disconnect the battery and shift the truck into park.
Now for the components needed to flat tow your truck you need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, tow bar wiring, and supplemental braking system.
Starting with the base plate kit I recommend going with the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-523199-5 that will fit your vehicle perfectly. This kit has removeable arms so when you are not flat towing your truck you can remove the arms to help the kit better blend in with the front of your truck.
For a compatible tow bar I recommend going with the Roadmaster Sterling All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-576 as its large hookup radius makes it very easy too connect the tow bar to the base plate kit even if you do not have your truck perfectly lined up to your tow vehicle, and due to the non-binding arms that make it so you can quickly and easily unhook the tow bar from your truck even if you are parked on un-even terrain. This tow bar sports a 8,000lb towing capacity which is perfect for your truck, and includes the 6-way to 7-way cord, and 6-way connector for your truck. The included safety cables are not compatible with the mentioned direct-connect base plate kit so you will need the # BX88196 as well.
To complete the wiring you will just need a diode kit and wiring which can be found in the Roadmaster Sterling Towing Kit # RM-9284-2. This also includes a storage case for when the tow bar is not being used, and locks to secure the tow bar to your truck.
Moving on to a supplemental braking system I recommend the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR due to it being very easy to install, and since it gets completely removed when you are done flat towing it can be used in multiple vehicles if needed. To use this in your truck you will also need to add the 12v outlet kit # RM-9332.
To make it easier and quicker to unhook your battery when it is time to flat tow I recommend using the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect # RM-766 as it allows you to easily disconnect your battery by pressing the included switch.
It is likely that you will need to use a high-low adapter to level your tow bar to your motorhome so I have included a link to a helpful article that goes over how to measure for the correct adapter, and a link to our selection of high-low adapters for you to look through.
I highly recommend looking at the recreational towing section of your owner's manual to become familiar with the steps needed to make your truck ready to be flat towed, and for any flat towing restrictions.
I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox 7' Safety Cables - 7,500 lbs - Qty 2
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 84 Inch Long
- 7500 lbs GTW
- S-Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Aluminum
- 8000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Auto Battery Disconnect
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Accessory Kit for Nighthawk and Sterling Tow Bars - Tail Light Wiring - Lock Set
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Accessories Kit
- Sterling All Terrain
- Nighthawk All Terrain
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
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