Flat Towing a Chev Pickup
Just purchased a 2015 Thor Palazzo 35.1 and I would like to flat tow my 2013 Chev 4X4 LT pickup instead of having to buy something else. I have read instructions on mounting a Blue Ox baseplate and th...
Forum Discussion
Mike,
Well Sir, first off, I don't know what chassis or, engine your Thor uses. I'm sure you've done your homework in determining your coaches max towing weight and, GCWR. I'll leave you to take care of that issue. Now, as for towing your truck. I'm not going to tell you all the prep work you need to do for getting ready to tow like so many people do, your owners manual spells it all out for you. Follow it to the letter.
Now, as for installing the base plates to your truck. I've done a couple and, by far, this is one of the easiest installations of base plates you can get. You simply remove the tow hooks that the factory installed and, follow the instructions for the install of the new base plates. There was some drilling to allow for more bolts to be used in retaining the base plates than there were to retain the tow hooks. Now, it shouldn't be too much different than the install of them on our 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 Extended Cab.
Part of the install is cutting any grill/plastic gravel shield etc. so there's clearance for the base plates to protrude out the front end. On mine, it was very minimal cutting of the plastic. I'm including pics of the base plates after installation. As you'll see, in mine, they look almost like the factory installed them.
I too use the Ready Brake system but, have basically worn it out and, Ready Brake (NSA) is useless in sending me components to rebuild it so, I'm more than likely going to transition over to the M&G braking system. But, that's another matter.
Anyway, if you've got any questions on this installation, please be sure and ask. Be glad to assist. Good luck. Oh, by the way, I also did all the wiring for toad lights. I utilized my stock truck tail lights as toad lights. It works flawless. Done that for about 11 toads now. NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES DOING IT THAT WAY!!!
Scott
Well Sir, first off, I don't know what chassis or, engine your Thor uses. I'm sure you've done your homework in determining your coaches max towing weight and, GCWR. I'll leave you to take care of that issue. Now, as for towing your truck. I'm not going to tell you all the prep work you need to do for getting ready to tow like so many people do, your owners manual spells it all out for you. Follow it to the letter.
Now, as for installing the base plates to your truck. I've done a couple and, by far, this is one of the easiest installations of base plates you can get. You simply remove the tow hooks that the factory installed and, follow the instructions for the install of the new base plates. There was some drilling to allow for more bolts to be used in retaining the base plates than there were to retain the tow hooks. Now, it shouldn't be too much different than the install of them on our 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 Extended Cab.
Part of the install is cutting any grill/plastic gravel shield etc. so there's clearance for the base plates to protrude out the front end. On mine, it was very minimal cutting of the plastic. I'm including pics of the base plates after installation. As you'll see, in mine, they look almost like the factory installed them.
I too use the Ready Brake system but, have basically worn it out and, Ready Brake (NSA) is useless in sending me components to rebuild it so, I'm more than likely going to transition over to the M&G braking system. But, that's another matter.
Anyway, if you've got any questions on this installation, please be sure and ask. Be glad to assist. Good luck. Oh, by the way, I also did all the wiring for toad lights. I utilized my stock truck tail lights as toad lights. It works flawless. Done that for about 11 toads now. NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES DOING IT THAT WAY!!!
Scott
