Do I Need To Cut Holes in the Bumper of a Chevy Equinox To Install Base Plates
Question:
Hi everyone I have read some of your articles to flat tow my Equinox, mostly it goes over my head. We have Jayco class C 2019 the year they left off the cool stuff ??. We also live in Ontario so costs are higher. First do they need to cut holes in my bumper? If so Im not doing it Second who does the brake system and does this effect anything when I need new brakes? Third I will have to pay someone so should I go to my GM dealer or my RV dealer who does not know my vehicle? Forth if I drive to USA again what options Last we were going to buy the swagman original you recommended for our 3 bikes, can we still use it my car does not have tow hitch Many thanks
asked by: Karen
Helpful Expert Reply:
The base plate kits for your 2017 Chevrolet Equinox that we offer don't require you to cut any holes in the bumper so no worries here. If you take a look at the attached photo you will see how the arms are able to protrude through without cutting. They use an opening already present opening on the vehicle. In regards to a supplemental braking system, they will not have any adverse effect on the vehicle's physical braking components (rotors, pads, calipers etc.).
When it comes to the installation of flat towing components, the best option you have is to take the vehicle to a local RV dealer. The GM dealer would not install any of these aftermarket flat-towing components on your vehicle most likely. The RV dealer may not have as much experience with a Equinox but they will be far more knowledgeable about the particular components. Unfortunately, we do not have any recommended installers either here in the US or in Canada. I recommend that you take the vehicle to an RV dealer that you trust.
I have attached a list of the flat-towing components I recommend for your Equinox below.
Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain Tow Bar part # RM-676
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-523184-5
Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles part # HM56108
Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles part # RM-156-25
SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System part # SM99251
Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles part # RM-76517 (I4 Models)
Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass part # RM76511 (V6 Models)
In regards to the Swagman Original part # S64152-2, this bike rack can indeed be used on the back of the Equinox while in tow but you will need a trailer hitch to do so. I recommend the etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver part # E98865.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 400 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Plugs into Vehicle Wiring
- Wiring Harness
- Custom
- Tail Light Mount
- Hopkins
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Battery Charge Line Kit
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Aluminum
- 8000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles - 50-Amp FMX Fuse
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Fuse Bypass
- Custom
- FMX Fuse
- Engine Compartment
- 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 >
Swagman Original RV Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 2" Hitches
- RV and Camper Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- RV Hitch Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 3 Bikes
- Road Bikes
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Motorhome
- Travel Trailer
- Fifth Wheel
- Flat-Towed Vehicle
- Swagman
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 >
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