Flat Towing a Chev Pickup

[RV_BUDDY_MIKE]

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 think maybe I can install myself. Am I fooling myself? Plan to use Ready Brake system towbar. I am relatively new to RVing. I traded in a 30 ft Forest River which I pulled with my truck.

Any comments on the installation would be appreciated.

Thanks Mike

[DSDP_Don]

Mike.....I tow my 2012 Silverado 4 down. I did my own install of the Roadmaster brackets. Like Scott said, I've done 5 or 6 set ups and the truck was the easiest.

Side Note: On your truck, the neutral position, for towing, is not visible on the knob. The truck needs to be running, shift into neutral and then turn the 4x4 selection knob clockwise all the way and hold it for about 6-10 seconds. The "N" will light up in red and your dash will say that your Stabilitrac has been turned off. I always double check that the truck doesn't shift into Drive or Reverse.

[outofplace]

I would think you need to get transfer case in neutral to be able to tow 4 down as neutral will not be good enough

[RV_BUDDY_MIKE]

Thanks Scott, I think I will go ahead and order the plate,towbar and accessories. Wish ya didn't live all the way cross country. Maybe have a job for you. The MH has a Cummins engine on a Freightliner chassis. Tow weight is 10,000 lbs. By the way, my truck has a dial instead of a transfer case shifter. Do I leave in AUTO on the dial and put transmission in Neutral when towing? According to all I have read, there aren't any fuses to pull or anything like that. Nice rig you have. Thanks, Mike

[vic46]

FIRE UP wrote:
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

Now that is outstanding work. Living next door to you sure wouldn't be a hardship! You should turn Pro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am however curious about your Ready Brake comment. I was under the impression their customer service was exemplary. I am NOT in any way involved/related to Ready Brake.
Vic

[FIRE_UP]

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