Flat Tow support for Slate truck in the works [confirmed]

[jmcarter]

Is Demco, Roadmaster or BlueOx working to develop a baseplate for towing?

 

[Lynn]

Good question! I hope that Blue Ox or some other will come up with one.

I did run into that problem with the MG, but that was hardly surprising. Not a lot of MGs on the streets any more! As a result, after studying how these things are attached to the vehicle frame, I designed my own with measuring tape, sharp scissors, cardboard and duck tape, then took it to a welding shop for actual build. Ordered four big, hardened-steel bolts to attach it to the frame. It's probably studier than the one that I bought for the Honda.

 

[Thutchis]

I asked about flat towing support for the Slate truck and here was their confirmation:

Hi Joe,​

​

Great question! Towing a Slate behind a motorhome is exactly the kind of adventurous, off-grid thinking we're excited to see from future drivers.​

​

We're happy to share that flat towing is actively in the works to be supported for Slate, including highway towing behind larger vehicles like RVs. Stay tuned for more specific guidelines and recommendations as we get closer to launch to make sure everything's smooth and road-trip ready.​

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Let us know if you'd like to be added to our updates list for towing and travel-related features!​

​

Cheers:+​

​

Kathryn || Slate agent team​

 

[Thutchis]

Well today during the Slate Q&A with CEO Chris Barman, one of the questions was "can I tow a Slate behind my motorhome?" Her answer was a flat "NO".

Damn, I am so disappointed. I knew flat towing was a long shot, but hoped they would support it. I guess I will keepy reservation for now and hope for a third party solution, like locking hubs for instance.

 

[GaRailroader]

When I watched the livestream I knew there would be some people disappointed when I heard her answer to the flat towing question. Forgive my ignorance as I am not an RVer. Why not just use a tow dolly like U-Haul rents and put the back wheels of the Slate on that? Why is flat towing so much more attractive then a tow dolly?

 

[Luxrage]

When I watched the livestream I knew there would be some people disappointed when I heard her answer to the flat towing question. Forgive my ignorance as I am not an RVer. Why not just use a tow dolly like U-Haul rents and put the back wheels of the Slate on that? Why is flat towing so much more attractive then a tow dolly?

Flat towing allows you to park the RV wherever you are, immediately disconnect the Jeep/Geo/Slate, and now you have a car without any extra hassle. This is intended for the year-round RV crowd that is constantly travelling and the trailer would have to be a permanent rental / another thing to deal with buying and maneuvering. I think a lot of it comes from now wanting to deal with a trailer and you'd have to tow the Slate backwards so the steer wheels would be the ones on the ground. A coworker of mine told me a story once of towing his Ford Elite like that and it going sideways on the highway because he didn't secure the wheel straight.

I know the Jeep tow-bars can be permanently mounted to the fronts of the wranglers so it's literally disconnect, fold up, lock it, lock the hubs, and now you can drive it.

 

[Thutchis]

When I watched the livestream I knew there would be some people disappointed when I heard her answer to the flat towing question. Forgive my ignorance as I am not an RVer. Why not just use a tow dolly like U-Haul rents and put the back wheels of the Slate on that? Why is flat towing so much more attractive then a tow dolly?

A lot of people do use dollys for front wheel drive vehicles. But putting the back wheels on a dolly and towing backwards will make the front steering turn sideways. Plus you have to put removable rear lights on the front (facing rear) towed vehicle. And you have to maneuver and stow the dolly when camping or at home. If the Slate won't flat tow, I'll forget it and keep my Geo Tracker.

 

[Luxrage]

If the Slate won't flat tow, I'll forget it and keep my Geo Tracker.

As much as I'd hate to see you not get a Slate, I can't say no to keeping a Geo.

 

[Lynn]

I just cancelled my reservation. Too bad. But if it can't be towed four-down, then I'm not interested.

 

[Thutchis]

I don't blame you. I hoped the Slate would replace my 21 Colorado and the 96 Geo Tracker. At this point I think I'll keep my reservation in case someone comes out with a flat towing solution. Locking rear hubs would be a good solution. Not sure how friction braking could be accomplished.

I just cancelled my reservation. Too bad. But if it can't be towed four-down, then I'm not interested.

 

[E90400K]

I don't blame you. I hoped the Slate would replace my 21 Colorado and the 96 Geo Tracker. At this point I think I'll keep my reservation in case someone comes out with a flat towing solution. Locking rear hubs would be a good solution. Not sure how friction braking could be accomplished.

Great comment! Manual locking rear hubs is the perfect solution. Manual Locking hubs like 4x4 trucks forty years ago had. Slate should make Locking hubs one of their DIY options.

Well done, Sir!