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Old 02-11-2012, 09:05 AM   #15
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I am also towing a 2004 Dodge Dakota 4x4 no problems. Just like jdoc but i do not disconnect the battery cable. Ipurchased a solar panel at pep-boys for $60. It plugs into the lighter socket & keeps the battery charged. Max.2005 Monaco Camelot.
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Old 02-11-2012, 09:08 AM   #16
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In the new F>M>C>A> mag. the Dodge Dakota is not listed for towing. Max
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Old 02-11-2012, 09:56 AM   #17
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I wanted a Ford F150/250 Platinum, and kept running into this:

"Only 4WD models equipped with a manual-shift transfer case are flat-towable."
The Platinum (in fact, all the models above the base model) is unavailable with a manual-shift transfer case. You can only get the electronic shift dial and the transfer cases don't have NEUTRAL.

I REALLY wanted the Toyota Tundra Platinum because the back seats recline and the rear seat room is incredible. I'm 6'1" and have 8 full inches between my knees and the front seat (when the front is fully "back"). But the manual states, "ABSOLUTELY NO FLAT TOWING." Killjoys.

Modifications can adversely affect warranty, and why give the dealers any excuse???

I bought a Chevy Z-71 Crew Cab SLT with all of the goodies. Except for the back seat being bolt-upright and lack of rear seat knee room, it is really easy to prepare for towing. There is a dial/selector switch to the left of the steering wheel that has NEUTRAL position.

With the Blue Ox Adventa LX and M&G Engineering braking, it takes me less than 5 minutes to prepare for towing. Everything is quick connect/disconnect.

On acceleration, I can really feel the effect of this heavy truck, but the stopping distance is actually reduced and feels very secure. My mileage (at 55-60mph) increased almost 1.5 mpg while towing, and I'm not completely sure why.
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Old 02-14-2012, 05:51 PM   #18
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The best pickup for our needs isn't quite a pickup, just sort of.

We're about to be towing a 2012 Chevy Avalanche LTZ 4WD.







We selected the Avalanche as a toad because we wanted good comfort, ample space in the cabin and the trunk, and good safety while driving the toad. However, we're bored with SUV's and trucks, and don't really need either an SUV nor a truck-truck, but could occasionally use the features of each.

So, for us, the Av offers some features of each, gives good out-of-sight, out-of-mind storage space, and a different look which is neither SUV nor truck. I'm storing my bike, camp chairs, and a few other misc items in the cargo bay, which opens up a lot of space in the coach basement. Great luxury features, too. We're excited to have it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by sparkydog View Post
Just started towing a 2011 GMC Sierra crew cab with 4 wheel drive. Easy set up to tow, neutral,neutral on transfer case, back to park, pull key!
I used blue ox base plates, about 2 HR. install, Patriot brake system. First trip 2200 miles, no problems.
Sparkydog.. Do you disconnect the battery? Is there reason to disconnect the battery or problems if you don't?

Our Av is 4WD and has a neutral position on the 2 speed transfer case. Owner's manual approves 4 down towing (TC in neutral, of course), but doesn't make any reference to disconnecting the battery with 4 down towing.

Bud... I hope I'm as fortunate as you were with the mileage INcrease!
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Old 02-14-2012, 08:11 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BudtheDiplomat
I wanted a Ford F150/250 Platinum, and kept running into this:

"Only 4WD models equipped with a manual-shift transfer case are flat-towable."
The Platinum (in fact, all the models above the base model) is unavailable with a manual-shift transfer case. You can only get the electronic shift dial and the transfer cases don't have NEUTRAL.

I REALLY wanted the Toyota Tundra Platinum because the back seats recline and the rear seat room is incredible. I'm 6'1" and have 8 full inches between my knees and the front seat (when the front is fully "back"). But the manual states, "ABSOLUTELY NO FLAT TOWING." Killjoys.

Modifications can adversely affect warranty, and why give the dealers any excuse???

I bought a Chevy Z-71 Crew Cab SLT with all of the goodies. Except for the back seat being bolt-upright and lack of rear seat knee room, it is really easy to prepare for towing. There is a dial/selector switch to the left of the steering wheel that has NEUTRAL position.

With the Blue Ox Adventa LX and M&G Engineering braking, it takes me less than 5 minutes to prepare for towing. Everything is quick connect/disconnect.

On acceleration, I can really feel the effect of this heavy truck, but the stopping distance is actually reduced and feels very secure. My mileage (at 55-60mph) increased almost 1.5 mpg while towing, and I'm not completely sure why.
Bud,
Can you send me a pic of the front of your truck with the base plates installed. I am trying to find a base plate that doesn't stick out past the front bumper on my 2012 silverado. No big deal if you can't just thought I would ask. Thanks
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Old 02-26-2012, 06:57 AM   #20
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I have ordered Blue Ox base plate for my 2012 Silverado. Photo looks like only place you can see it is where the tow hooks are removed.
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Old 02-26-2012, 07:05 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hapecamper
I have ordered Blue Ox base plate for my 2012 Silverado. Photo looks like only place you can see it is where the tow hooks are removed.
Mine will be delivered on Monday. I ordered the Blue ox also. I sold all of my road master towing stuff. I think Blue ox is the way to go. I also found the perfect place to mount my wiring plug also (hidden and out of the way). I will post a pic after I install everything. Did you buy the bulb and socket kit?
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Old 02-26-2012, 10:00 AM   #22
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We went with Blue Ox and SMI AirForceOne air-brake system. Here's a pic of the front end connections on the 2012 Chevy Avalanche LTZ (which is probably nearly identical for 2007-2012 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, and Tahoe LT/LTZ.)



The AirForceOne connection is the small, black covered nipple on the driver side opening in the air dam. Picture does not show the removeable attachments that the tow arms connect to. I'd like to find an alternative spot for the break-away connection just to clean up the look a little.

All in all, it works great. And I'm so glad we went with AirForceOne... there is no box to place in the driver footwell... the only set up for the brake is to connect an air line from the coach to the nipple in the air dam. Sweet!
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Old 02-27-2012, 07:54 AM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Heater View Post
Mine will be delivered on Monday. I ordered the Blue ox also. I sold all of my road master towing stuff. I think Blue ox is the way to go. I also found the perfect place to mount my wiring plug also (hidden and out of the way). I will post a pic after I install everything. Did you buy the bulb and socket kit?

Mine should be here today also. I am going with wiring into tail lights with diodes.
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