What Parts Do I Need to Flat Tow a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban

Question:

Hi, need to tow the suburban and want to flat tow. NP8 allows for neutral on transfer case. Do I need to do anything else with transmission etc. what are the steps to do this. Also, what comes with the RM020 kit and what else do I need to purchase. Thanks

asked by: Roger

Expert Reply:

For a complete towing procedure and to see if any additional transmission parts are needed, please refer to your vehicle owner manual. It should have a complete section on towing.

The Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar, part # RM-020, includes the tow bar and crossbar. The tow bar attaches to the cross bar, and the cross bar attaches to a set of base plates.

You will also need a set of base plates. These bolt to the underside of your Suburban frame, close to the front bumper. These are the attachment points that the tow bar attaches to. There are quite a few kits available, but which kit you need depends on whether or not your Suburban is 4WD, or has tow hooks or is the 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton model. I have added a link to a page that has all of them listed. Select your vehicle configuration from the drop down menu towards the top of the page.

You will also need a light kit. You can use a temporary light kit like a magnetic kit, part # RM-2120 or you can use a wire in diode kit like part # RM-154 that wires in and would utilize your Suburban tail lights.

For a vehicle as large as the Suburban, you will probably want a supplemental braking system so your RV or the tow vehicle does not have to do all the braking itself. Many states require a supplemental braking system for flat-towing. I have added a link below to all of the systems we carry. Some have permanent base mounts, others just drop in and out of the vehicle.