Would someone please advise if it is possible to flat-tow a 1995 Suburban 2500 4x4? I have a Blue Ox towbar but would probably need to add an auxilliary brake system. I only need to tow 30 miles over flat ground.
Don't know about a 1995 but I previously towed a 2004 Z71 4x4 and am now dragging around a 2011 Tahoe 4x4.
If the 4x4 has a Neutral position, or if the front wheels have hubs that disconnect, that should disconnect all 4 wheels from the driveline and you should be good to go. Don't forget to keep the steering wheel unlocked, probably need to keep the key in the ignition where it is unlocked.
OK thanks. Will check the vehicle and documentation, but do not believe that the FWD has a "neutral" position. This will be easy to verify.
Thanks!
P.S. Checked and yes, Txfr case does have Neutral position. Manual says tow with key OUT of ignition, which I found odd—how do front wheels handle turns??
A 95 K2500 Suburban has about 5700 lb curb weight. Assuming you have a 6000 lb towing capacity, you will be right at limit empty by the time you add a tow bar and baseplate. You will definitely need a braking system.
Thank you for this information. I was wondering about the weight with a rig this size.
This only goes back to 1996, but plug in your info using 1996 and see what it says: Store : Remco (http://www.remcotowing.com/Towing/Store.php)
"Notes
No Base Plate available from Blue Ox for this vehicle. May be Custom Application.
Vehicle can be flat towed if it contains a Manual Transfer Case. Follow procedures in Owner's Manual to flat tow correctly. If vehicle has an Electronic Transfer Case then it will require A Drive Shaft Coupling (Disconnect) to tow. Remco Industries no longer sells the Drive Shaft Coupling. If interested in a Drive Shaft Coupling, please contact Just for Towing (SW Driveline Service | Remco Products (http://www.swdriveline.com)) or David at Drive Shaft King (800-442-6329)."
Store : Remco (http://www.remcotowing.com/Towing/Store.php)
Randell,
I have a base plate for an older Chevy. Don't know if it will fit your vehicle but if you need one and it will fit you can have it. Just need to pick it up or pay shipping (it's heavy).
Keith
With the key out can you still turn the steering wheel or is it locked in one place? My bet is when key is out you can still turn the steering wheel. If not then you will need to leave key in so the steering wheel will turn freely.
how often will you be towing ?
if just occasionally i would just get a tow bar from harbor freight or a farm supply store. actually stronger than a adjustable bar,just not as handy to hook up. $150.00 vs. 1500.00,
I second that suggestion. Some folks have and still do use these for their toads. Work well, just a little more finicky to hook up as alignment is fixed.
Thinking out of the box now, but why not drive the suburban 30 miles and let Uber bring you back? No tow bar, baseplate, brake system, modifying wiring harness for taillight operation, converter for the FT brake light setup to conventional etc.
Chuck,
Exactly what I have decided to do, as I would not tow the Suburban any distance, over passes, etc.
Thanks!
Thanks very much to all who replied. As with many ideas that seem to solve a short-term problem, this one turned out to be not worth the trouble and expense,
If my memory serves me transfer case in neutral, auto trans in Park, or manual in gear. Key in the unlock position, not on.
I have towed '80s-'90s full size 4x4 GM products thousands of miles with no problems. I made tow brackets that replace the tow hooks found on most of those vehicles. Use an old U-Haul solid tow bar.
TOM
All that fuss for a 30 mile trip? How about a taxi, Uber, friend or just grab a gas can and hitchhike.
I hooked my previous toad (Jeep Liberty) behind my current toad (Jeep Wrangler) using my old tow bar which had a bit of slop in it. I towed it only about 80 miles and it was one harrowing trip. The tail was definitely wagging the dog. I should have taken Slim's advice, left the Wrangler at home and brought the Greyhound back.