Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2016 Chevy Equinox without Adaptive Cruise or Shutters Behind an RV
Question:
I have a customer with a 16 Chevy Equinox, no adaptive cruise or grill shudders. He has an existing Stow master Tow bar and wants me to put base plates on it along with the wiring. Will Roadmaster Part Number 523184-5 work with that bar? I also need to know what wiring kit I will need to complete the install. Thanks!
asked by: Mark F
Expert Reply:
Roadmaster base plates # RM-523184-5 only work with motor home mounted tow bars and will not work with the Stowmaster. These base plates have a different type of connection at the ends of the removable arms that is not compatible with the Stowmaster.
What will be required is either different base plates such as # RM-523184-4, which is compatible with the Stowmaster, or a different tow bar such as the Falcon 2, # RM-520. The base plates cost less so I would choose them if cost is an issue.
If cost is not an issue then going with the alternate base plates and the superior Falcon 2 tow bar is the best option.
Your customer will also need safety cables such as # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground. For lighting a simple magnetic kit such as # RM-2120 will be the easiest to set up and it bypasses the vehicle wiring. For a more permanent solution a 4-diode kit # RM-154 or a bulb and socket kit # RM-155 can be installed.
It also looks like a fuse has to be pulled to flat tow the 2016 Equinox. Consult the owner's manual to confirm. To make that process as easy as flipping a switch a fuse bypass, # RM76511, can be installed.
And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.
Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit with Bulbs
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Bulb and Socket Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass - 13" - 20-Amp Mini-Fuse
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Fuse Bypass
- Custom
- Mini Fuse
- Engine Compartment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- 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 Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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