Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2012 GMC Terrain Behind a Class C Motor Home
Question:
I have bought a 2012 GMC terrain to flat tow behind a 2011 class C motor home. I have never flat towed before. I am interested in tow master set up. Please advise me on the best set ups , from base plate,tow bar, and brake system. your help would be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
asked by: John B
Expert Reply:
The first thing I would recommend to do is to check your owners manual or with the GMC dealer on the proper procedure for towing the vehicle. Some vehicles might need to be equipped with a transmission lube pump, an axle disconnect, drive line disconnect or free-wheeling hubs before they can be towed.
To flat tow your 2012 GMC Terrain you will need a tow bar, base plates, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking.
Also, the Discrete Logic Ignition Switch fuse (fuse #32) needs to be removed from the instrument panel fuse box. The instrument panel fuse box is located on the passenger side of the center console, behind a cover. That fuse needs to be removed to keep the battery from being drained when towing.
First, you will need the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit, part # 523163-1, to tow your vehicle. With the base plates installed, you would then need a tow bar compatible with EZ style base plates. The RoadMaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520, would be an excellent choice. I am including a link to the installation details and a video review.
To complete the towing set up for your Terrain, you will need safety cables, lighting, and a supplemental braking system as required by law. For safety cables, I recommend RoadMaster 64 inch Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables, # RM-643.
For lights, there are a couple of options. If you do not plan on towing the Terrain often, I recommend the Magnetic Light Kit, part # RM-2120. If you do plan on towing it frequently, I recommend installing Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit, part # RM-155. This wiring kit will have independent bulbs and sockets that are mounted inside the tail lights. This will bypass the towed vehicles electrical system completely. I am including a link to a FAQ page on choosing the best wiring kit for you.
For a braking system, the easiest to use and install would be the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Proportional Braking System, # RM-9400. This system installs quickly so you are ready to go in minutes. It engages the towed vehicle brakes proportionally to how much the towing vehicle is braking, reducing wear of both vehicles brakes.
There are other items you will need to install the Even Brake system to your towing setup.
The Roadmaster 12 Volt Outlet Kit, part # RM-9332, will connect to the towed vehicles battery and provide power for the braking system.
The Roadmaster Stoplight Switch, # RM-751439, attaches to the brake pedal in the towed vehicle.
I am including a link to FAQ articles that will help you with any questions you might have on flat towing a vehicle.
With these items installed you will be able to flat tow your GMC Terrain with your Class C motor home.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 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 - Chevrolet Equinox / GMC Terrain
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Stop Light Switch
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
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