Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2014 Chevy Malibu with or without Active Air Shutter System
Question:
How can I tell if my Malibu has active air shutter and/or eassist? I need to tow it four down. . I dont really care what brand of baseplate I get. Just want it to work well.
asked by: Audrey B
Expert Reply:
The Active shutter system that is available on your 2014 Chevy Malibu is a system that allows the grille to open and close at highway speeds to maximize fuel efficiency. If you look at the grille of the vehicle and can see that the grille has what looks like a grate that can open and close you have it. You can also check the build sheet of the vehicle to see if it's listed as an option. Most likely you would know if you had it.
If you have it you would need the base plate kit part # RM-523183-4 if you do not have it you would need the # RM-523178-4.
In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon 2, # RM-520. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.
For lighting you can use the bulb and socket kit, # RM-152, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. You will also want the # DM9523054 to connect this lighting solution to your tow vehicle. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.
And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest systems to set up and use are portable systems like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. It applies 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. You will also need the outlet kit part # RM-9332.
Most likely you will also need a high low adapter so that the tow bar will be level when you are flat towing. I attached a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.
I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing your vehicle.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- 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 >
Demco 7-Wire to 6-Wire Coiled Electrical Cord w/ 6-Way Round Plug - 7' Long
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Adapters
- 7 Round - Blade to 6 Round
- Coiled Cord
- Demco
more information >
Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light 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 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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
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