Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2016 Chevy Malibu or Malibu Unlimited with a Blue Ox Tow Bar

Question

Question:

will the base plate for my 2012 impala fit on 2016 malibu. blue ox plate.

asked by: Harvey B

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Blue Ox base plates from a 2012 Chevy Impala will not fit a 2016 Chevy Malibu Limited. If you have a Blue Ox tow bar though you will be able to use it with the Malibu once the proper base plates are installed. Blue Ox has 1 option for the 2016 Malibu Limited and it is # BX1715. It will fit models with the 2.5 liter motor without the Active Air Shutter system.

If your 2016 Malibu is NOT a Limited model then Blue Ox has 1 option: # BX1726 for the 1.5L or 2.0L I4 Engine - without Active Air Shutter System .

In addition to the tow bar and base plates you may also need safety cables # RM-643 if you don't already have some cables. For lighting you can use a simple magnetic kit such as # RM-2120. Or for a more permanent solution you could use Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit Item # RM-15267.

Also, whether you have a Limited or other model it looks like fuses have to be pulled to flat tow the vehicle. Consult the vehicle owner's manual to confirm. To make this process as easy as flipping a switch you can use fuse bypass # RM76512 for the regular Malibu. For the Malibu Limited there are 2 bypasses needed, # RM76511 and # RM76512.

You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply 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.

For the braking system to work properly you may also need a stop light switch kit. On the regular 2016 Malibu if the brake lights do not illuminate when the vehicle is off or if the ignition is in the "tow" position (according to the manual), stop light switch kit # RM-751481 is required. For the Limited it would be # RM-751466.

Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

1

Answer 1

I had our warehouse workers pull the etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates - 2" RV Mount - 6K #e74ZR for fitment tests. We found that the best fit for this bar was the Blue Ox Tow Bar Cover - Ascent and Avail…

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Answer 2

While not specifically made for it, the etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar item #e47ZR has a retracted measurement of 39-1/4". It will fit in the Blue Ox Tow Bar Cover item #BX88309 which measures 42-1/4" long.

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Answer 3

When towing a vehicle behind a motorhome using a tow dolly like the Demco #DM9713093 Kar Kaddy X you'd looked at, you'll want to leave the steering column locked. The tow dolly swivels, so it will track correctly behind the tow vehicle. This…

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Answer 4

Demco has an interesting way to determine if the Kar Kaddy X #DM9713093 would provide enough ground clearance for a vehicle like your 2006 Mini Cooper to load. You will need to measure from where the front wheel touches the ground on front side of…

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Answer 5

The EZ Haul Car Tow Dolly with hydraulic brakes looks like a pretty straight-forward tow dolly that has entry-level quality that get's the job done. We don't carry this tow dolly so I can't speak to longevity but for what it is it seems…

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Answer 6

Are you basically asking how much length would this coupler add to the tongue of your trailer?

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Answer 7

To flat tow your 2024 Ford Edge ST you will need the following parts: Tow Bar and Safety Chains - Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar item #RM-520 and item #RM-643 Base Plate Kit - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms item #RM-524460-5…

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Answer 8

Yes, you can flat tow a vehicle with a Roadmaster base plate with a Blue Ox tow bar as long as you get the correct adapter like the part #RM-032 to connect the two. This is the style of adapter for the Roadmaster base plates that have to use a…

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Answer 9

I pulled up the owners manual of your 2014 Cadillac SRX online and found that on page 10-84 it can be flat towed. This includes front wheel drive and all wheel drive models. You can then use the base plate kit you referenced #RM-523162-4. In addition…

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Answer 10

Both the #HM39530 and the #SM99251 are both good options but for your needs I recommend the #HM39530. It uses a 7-way flat connector, which is included, and can plug into your lighting system with a 4 pole connector it has coming off of the 7-way…

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Answer 11

On your 2018 Jeep Wrangler, I am thrilled with the parts you ordered. The Mighty Cord Trailer Connector Adapter - 4-Way Flat to 6-Way Round - 12" Harness #A10-6034VP will give you the 12V charge line from your 7-way on your motorhome to give a…

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Answer 12

I looked up the online owner's manual for a 2018 Honda Fit and on page 89 it states that a "continuously variable transmission" (automatic) cannot be flat towed but manual can. If your sport edition is a manual then you can definitely…

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Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2016 Chevy Malibu or Malibu Unlimited with a Blue Ox Tow Bar

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