Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2016 Chevy Malibu or Malibu Unlimited with a Blue Ox Tow Bar
Question:
will the base plate for my 2012 impala fit on 2016 malibu. blue ox plate.
asked by: Harvey B
Helpful Expert Reply:
The Blue Ox base plates from a 2012 Chevy Impala will not fit a 2016 Chevy Malibu Limited. If you have a Blue Ox tow bar though you will be able to use it with the Malibu once the proper base plates are installed. Blue Ox has 1 option for the 2016 Malibu Limited and it is # BX1715. It will fit models with the 2.5 liter motor without the Active Air Shutter system.
If your 2016 Malibu is NOT a Limited model then Blue Ox has 1 option: # BX1726 for the 1.5L or 2.0L I4 Engine - without Active Air Shutter System .
In addition to the tow bar and base plates you may also need safety cables # RM-643 if you don't already have some cables. For lighting you can use a simple magnetic kit such as # RM-2120. Or for a more permanent solution you could use Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit Item # RM-15267.
Also, whether you have a Limited or other model it looks like fuses have to be pulled to flat tow the vehicle. Consult the vehicle owner's manual to confirm. To make this process as easy as flipping a switch you can use fuse bypass # RM76512 for the regular Malibu. For the Malibu Limited there are 2 bypasses needed, # RM76511 and # RM76512.
You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.
And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend 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.
For the braking system to work properly you may also need a stop light switch kit. On the regular 2016 Malibu if the brake lights do not illuminate when the vehicle is off or if the ignition is in the "tow" position (according to the manual), stop light switch kit # RM-751481 is required. For the Limited it would be # RM-751466.
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
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode 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 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 Stop Light Switch Kit
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Stop Light Switch
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Stop Light Switch
- 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 >
Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicle - (2) 20-Amp ATM Mini-Fuses
- 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
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
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