Base Plates, Light Kit, Safety Cables, and Braking System to Flat Tow a 2011 GMC Terrain

Question:

I have a 2002 Winnebago Brave 36 and a 2011 GMC Terrain. I plan on a Roadmaster tow bar system using a Falcon All Terrain. I am not sure whether to wire the Terain using the RM-154 or magnetic tow lights. Why? I am concerned that hard wiring the light connections to the vehicle may interfere with the GMCs on-board diagnostics. Will the RM-154 cause a problem or not? And will I need other kits/converters? I am interested in flat towing my 2011 GMC Terrain with a Falcon All Terrain tow bar. What components do I need to properly complete the installation?

asked by: Arthur J

Expert Reply:

To flat tow your GMC Terrain, there are several components that you will need. First, you will need base plates installed on the Terrain. The correct base plate kit for your Terrain is # 523163-1. I have included a link to the installation details below. These EZ style base plates are compatible with the Falcon All Terrain to bar # RM-522. I have included a video review and installation detail links below.

Next you will need a light kit and safety chains or cables as required by law. For wiring, you should be able to use the Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit, # RM-154, that you have referenced. The use of diodes does not allow back feeding back through the system and should not interfere with the systems on the Terrain. There are several wiring methods depending on the type of system your Terrain has. You will need to determine if your RV and Terrain each have separate stop and turn signals or combined on the same circuit and then wire it according to the corresponding diagram on the product page. Wiring the vehicle with diodes is a good idea if you plan to flat tow the Terrain frequently.

If you do not plan on towing the Terrain often or are still unsure about the diodes affecting the vehicle, a magnetic light kit would be the way to go, like # RM-2120. For safety cables, I recommend RoadMaster 68 Inch Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables, # RM-643. These cables have more than enough capacity for your Terrain.

You might also be interested in a supplemental brake kit for the Terrain. The easiest to use and install is the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Proportional Braking System, # RM-9400. This unit 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 the towing vehicle and towed vehicle brakes.

Finally, you will need to check with the manufacturer for instructions on the proper procedure for towing your vehicle because some vehicles must be equipped with a transmission lube pump, an axle disconnect, drive line disconnect, or free-wheeling hubs before they can be towed.