Recommended Flat Towing Setup for 2012 Chevy Colorado Z71 Towed by Thor Hurricane
Question:
I want to use this vehicle as a dinghy but I have never towed behind my class A. My neighbor big RVer is convinced Roadmaster over BlueOx is the way to go. I need it all from baseplate to braking. What do you recommend? Thank you for any help you can give. my rig is a 2012 Thor Hurricane 31J
asked by: John P
Helpful Expert Reply:
We can help you with a complete flat-towing set-up for your 2012 Chevy Colorado Z71 so you can pull it behind your Thor Hurricane Class A motorhome.
Let's start with base plates. For the easiest install and cleanest appearance I like the Roadmaster MX kit # 3164-3 which does not require a visible crossbar. The removable arms allow for a fairly normal appearance when you're not towing the truck. For a tow bar that works well with the MX plates I recommend their Falcon All Terrain model # RM-522 which features extra-long non-binding stainless steel arms for easier hookup. For safety cables you can use 64-inch set # RM-645.
There are many types of wiring/lighting options including hardwired diode kits, removable magnetic lights and plug-in harnesses, and I included a helpful article covering all of these, but for a reliable setup with one-time-installation I recommend the Roadmaster diode kit # RM-15267 because once you install this all future flat towing trips will mean just plugging in the connector at the motorhome. An install video is linked for you.
Braking systems for the Colorado also include different types of systems, including portable braking units like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR and the Roadmaster Even Brake # RM-9400 that I suggest if you intend to change towed vehicles anytime soon. These braking systems are fully transferable to your next vehicle, but you do need to set them up each time you tow. If you intend to keep the truck for a while I suggest you do the more intensive but one-time-installation of the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. This will provide proportional braking force to slow the truck right along with the motorhome. An install video for a Colorado is linked.
Tow bars work best when they are level (which helps reduce friction) so you will also need a high/low hitch adapter like # RM-076 to keep the connected tow bar level. The linked article will show you how to select the correct one to match your motorhome and truck heights.
I recommend checking your GM owner's manual for any details about flat towing. I checked an online version and on page 10-92 it notes that only 4WD versions of the Colorado can be flat towed and it outlines the required preparation steps to do so.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Partially Hidden
- Roadmaster
more information >
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- 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 >
Roadmaster High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 6" Rise/Drop - 6K GTW, 200 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Adapters
- High-Low Adapter
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 6 Inch Rise/Drop
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster 64" Single Hook, Straight Safety Cables - 8,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Straight Cables
- 64 Inch Long
- 8000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Partially Hidden
- Roadmaster
more information >
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on Tow Bar Base Plate
