Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2011 GMC Terrain FWD Behind A Motor Home

Question

Question:

I have a blue ox tow bars that i used to tow my tahoe behind my motor home with. now I have a the terrain fwd it says in the manual that i can flat tow it if i take out fuse #32. What is your opinion on flat towing it?

asked by: Trace W

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Expert Reply:

The 2011 GMC Terrain FWD can be flat towed behind your motorhome if you have the six speed automatic transmission. Also, you are correct, 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. With that done you should be able to flat tow your Terrain with no problem.

The base plates you can use on your 2011 GMC Terrain would be the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit, part # 523163-1. To connect the Roadmaster base plates to a Blue Ox tow bar you will need to use an adapter like the Roadmaster Tow Bar Adapter, part # RM-032, or the Adapter, part # RM-033. I am including a link to the installation instructions on the Roadmaster base plates.

The # RM-032 and # RM-033 are for Aventa, Aventa II, Kar Bar, Aladdin, Alexxa, Acclaim, and all Blue Ox A-Frame tow bars with 1 or 3 pronged attachments. If you choose the # RM-033 adapter you will also need the Roadmaster Tow Bar Quick Disconnect Kit, part # RM-201, which will allow the tow bar to be easily disconnected. If you choose the # RM-032 adapter you will not need the addition of the quick disconnects and one side of the adapter bar will stay attached to the Blue Ox tow bar when disconnected. I am including a video link of a review on the # RM-032 adapter.

To complete the towing set up for the Terrain, you will also need safety cables, and wiring. For safety cables, I recommend RoadMaster 64 inch Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables, # RM-643. For wiring, there are a couple of options. If you do not plan on towing the Terrain very often, I would go with a magnetic light kit like # RM-2120. If you do plan on towing the Terrain frequently, it would beneficial to install diodes, # 38955.

I am including a video along with a couple of useful FAQ articles on tow bar wiring that should help in choosing the best light kit for you along with how to go about wiring them.

expert reply by: Jeff D

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Answer 1

Flat towing requires a number of components that are detailed in the linked article. These major items include base plates, safety cables, tow bar, a wiring/lighting kit and braking system. For the 2002 Sonoma 4x4 (excluding the ZR2 Highrider) we…

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Answer 2

The Reese tow bar 74943 is now an obsolete tow bar so I cannot say if it is a direct fit or if an adapter will allow it to be used with the Roadmaster base plates. There is an adapter for similar tow bars, #RM-025, but we have it listed as fitting…

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Answer 3

I did some checking and it looks like the AWD and automatic transmission versions of the 2011 GMC Terrain are flat towable as-is so you'd be good to go. You'll need to start with a base plate kit like #523163-1 which is a confirmed…

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Answer 4

Whenever you hear conflicting stories about flat towing a vehicle it is always best to turn to the owner's manual as the manufacturer (in your case GM) will have the final say. I looked up an online version of the owner's manual for…

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Answer 5

According to my research, if your Grand Cherokee has a manual transfer case with a Neutral position, it can be flat towed, unless it has the Quadra Trac I 4 wheel drive system. There is a specific procedure that must be followed, which is outlined…

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Answer 6

You can prevent the battery from draining by unhooking the positive battery cable from the battery. This can be done by using a battery quick-disconnect like part #DW05312. You would switch the key to the on position so you can unlock the steering…

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Answer 7

You can flat tow a 2000 Nissan Frontier 4x4 with a manual transmission with speed restriction of 60 mph. If you have the automatic transmission, you can flat tow if you use a drive shaft coupling disconnect. We do not carry this product, but I can…

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Answer 8

The Brake Buddy Select 3 part #HM39524 that you referenced uses a 15 amp glass fuse like what you see in the picture I attached. It's the older style automotive glass type fuses. They are very easy to find at local auto parts stores.

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