Flat Towing 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Behind Class A Motorhome with 5000-lb-Rated Hitch

Question

Question:

I have a 30 ft class A motorhome with a 5000 capacity hidden hitch - I want to tow a 5000 lb trailblazer - your falcon 2 was recommended - when dolly towing its not like a towing a trailer with a 500 lb tongue weight. if you can answer this your really good! The canned answer is dont

asked by: Jim M

0

Expert Reply:

If your Class A motorhome's hitch is rated for 5000-lbs, then this limit applies whether you are using a tow dolly or a tow bar for flat towing. As long as your TrailBlazer's gross weight is within the hitch (and motorhome) towing capacity then you can tow the vehicle.

There is an important difference between dolly towing and tow bar towing. A tow bar puts almost no tongue weight load on your hitch (its pretty much just some of the weight of the tow bar) while a tow dolly will still put some tongue load on the hitch. Since your toad is so close to your hitch's towing limit I suggest a tow bar and flat towing over a tow dolly.

Safe and legal flat towing requires a number of components: tow bar, safety cables, wiring, base plates and a supplementary braking system. For reference I have linked at right an article that covers all these essentials of flat towing.

The Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520, is a good choice for your TrailBlazer since it is rated for up to 6000-lbs. With this tow bar you will need safety cables # RM-643. For wiring for the toad you have several options - again these are detailed in the article. The simplest and least-invasive type of lighting solution is a removable magnetic light kit, such as the Optronics # TLL21RK. Such items install in seconds and require no cutting or splicing of your vehicle's wiring. Other types of kits are available also, such as a bulb-and-socket kit like the Roadmaster # RM-155. These are an option for a more permanent installation as long as there is enough room inside the tail light lens housing for an extra bulb and socket. You can if you wish add a fuse bypass, part # RM76511, to avoid the need to pull fuses.

I recommend staying with Roadmaster for your base plates since this will avoid any need for adapters to mate different brands of products. We offer the Roadmaster XL kit # 3109-1 which will work great with the Falcon 2.

I also suggest a Roadmaster braking system, their portable USA-made Even Brake proportional braking system # RM-9400. This works with either electric or power seats. The linked video illustrates installation and the article on supplementary braking systems outlines the features of this and other types of systems.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

Since you have a 4 wheel drive 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer you can flat tow or use a car transport. The Roadmaster base plate #3109-1 you were looking at is a custom fit for your vehicle. The quick disconnect adapter for this base plate to connect it…

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Answer 2

When it comes to choosing between the Blue Ox Patriot #BLU37TR and the Brake Buddy Select 3 #HM39524, these systems are extremely similar in their setup and functionality. Both of these systems provide proportional braking in a compact and easy to…

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Answer 3

Both the Roadmaster and Blue Ox tow bars are great options. But if it was my decision to make I would go with the Blue Ox Avail part #BX7420 as we have found that the Blue Ox tow bars are a little easier to connect and disconnect from. Also this tow…

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Answer 4

You have a good eye Richard, as there is not a difference between the etrailer and Demco base plates that fit your 2024 Ford Maverick: - etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit e64FV - Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit #DM77YV Both will fit your '24…

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Answer 5

Hello Curtis. You can absolutely use an RV mount tow bar with your 2006 Ford E350 Van. For example, the Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar #BX7420 is compatible with any 2" hitch receiver. This could be on a motorhome, van or pickup truck. As…

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Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 7

There are a few differences between the Demco Demco Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System w/ Wireless Coachlink Monitor #DM86VR and the Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supplemental Braking System #RM-8700. The biggest difference between the two is…

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Answer 8

Yes, your 2017 Chevrolet Equinox FWD can be flat towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. Do understand that you will need to run your Equinox for 5 minutes every time you stop for gas to properly lubricate your transmission and before towing. A better…

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Answer 9

I would be happy to! To flat tow your 2024 GMC Canyon Denali you will need the following parts: Tow Bar and Safety Chains - Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights item #RM-676 Base Plate Kit - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit…

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Answer 10

We do offer tow bar setups that can attach to the D-rings on the Warn Elite Bumper. Your will need to use a D-ring adapter to connect the tow bar. For the adapter you have the following options: 1" Thick D-Rings #RM-035-1 3/4" Thick D-Rings…

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Answer 11

Although it's not said, to install the Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit #DM77YV there may be some trimming of spoiler, air dam, grille or plastic fascia required depending on the model of this vehicle. To complete your flat towing setup, you're…

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Answer 12

Hey Mark, so the correct Blue Ox base plate kit to use with the Blue Ox Ascent tow bar part #BX4375. is the part #BLU53FR. For lighting you can use #C96JR, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing as this plugs inline with the…

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