Parts Needed and Procedure for Flat Towing a 2015 GMC Terrain
Question:
Besides taking out the fuse what else should be done prior to flat towing, Like what gearshould it be put in and where should the key be turned?
asked by: Joseph A
Expert Reply:
According to the online manual for the GMC terrain that I reviewed the vehicle can be flat-towed once a few preparation steps are taken, including removal of fuse 32 to prevent battery drain. I suggest you refer to your owners manual, specifically the section identified in the index as Recreational Towing, just to confirm that your particular Terrain is suitable for flat-towing and to become familiar with the steps necessary.
Here is what I found in the manual:
1. Position the vehicle to be towed and secure it to the towing vehicle.
2. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Turn the ignition key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
5. Turn all accessories off.
For a base plate kit I would recommend the Roadmaster Base Plate Kit part # 523163-1.
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 diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed 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 system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, that 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 need to add stop light switch kit # RM-751439 so the RV monitoring system will tell you when the vehicle brakes are being applied.
You will also need a 12 volt power outlet kit, # RM-9332, to power the braking system. This is because the regular power outlets will not be hot when the vehicle is ready to be towed.
If you do not want to pull the fuse every time you tow you can install the Fuse Bypass, part # BX88272. This part will allow you to operate a switch to bypass the fuse in the car.
I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you.
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 >
Blue Ox Fuse ByPass Switch for Towed Vehicles - ATM Mini-Fuse - 13" Long
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Fuse Bypass
- Custom
- Mini Fuse
- Engine Compartment
- 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 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 >
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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