Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2017 Chevy Sonic
Question:
Hello, Im looking into purchasing an automatic 2017 chevy sonic Premier keyless model. Dealership was not very knowledgeable on towing of their products and Chevy has not responded to either E-mail I sent them. So I hope you can help me. Towing instructions for KEYLESS vehicle say to prevent the battery from draining remove 4 fuses, 3 of which are up under the dash models with a key ignition only have to remove 1 fuse DLIS. Is there any reason that I can not install a battery charger from the charge line of my RV to the Sonics battery to keep it charged as I tow? Do you sell such a charger? Also to enter Neutral for towing it says, shift transmission to park, turn ignition to LOCK/OFF, set parking brake, remove fuses DLIS, BCM1, BCM2, F07. Then turn ignition to Accessory and shift to Neutral, release parking brake. Without 1st starting the engine I could NOT shift into Neutral. What is the correct way to enter neutral for towing 4 wheels down for this keyless ignition vehicle? Do you carry a baseplate and light wiring harness for this vehicle? Automatic 2017 chevy sonic Premier keyless model with 1.4L turbo. Thanks
asked by: Mike T
Helpful Expert Reply:
I looked up the owner's manual for a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic and I saw that you can dinghy (or flat) tow a Sonic with an automatic transmission unless it is the RS model. On page 279 of the owner's manual it only specifies that the DLIS fuse from the instrument panel fuse block needs to be pulled. If that is the case then all you need to do is install the Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass # RM76511 (see attached video) to make uninstalling the fuse much easier.
However, if the dealer is saying that you need to pull more than one fuse then I cannot verify that installing a charge line, like part # RM-156-25, is an appropriate alternative to removing the fuses. If some damage were to happen as a result of not pulling the fuses then the damage would most likely not be covered under the warranty.
The rest of the equipment that you will need are as follows: base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter.
For a base plate kit I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1703 which is compatible with your 2017 Chevy Sonic 1.4L Turbo. The Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar # BX7380 and included 6,500 lb safety cables are a great option to use with this base plate kit.
If you plan on flat towing frequently then I recommend going with the Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit # RM-155 and SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251. Please note that the towed car must have enough room inside the tail light lens housing for an extra bulb and socket.
If you will only be flat towing every once in a while then you may be more interested in less permanent options like the Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights # RM-2120 and the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR which you can power with the 12 Volt Outlet Kit # RM-9332.
To ensure that your flat towing setup is level you may require the use of a high-low adapter. I have attached a link to our selection as well as a link to a helpful article you can use to determine if you need one or not.
Please be sure to follow any specific instructions in your owner's manual for flat towing your Sonic.
I have attached some installation videos for you to check out.
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 Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6500 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Blue Ox
more information >
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 Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Battery Charge Line Kit
- 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 >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass - 13" - 20-Amp Mini-Fuse
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Fuse Bypass
- Custom
- Mini Fuse
- Engine Compartment
- Roadmaster
more information >
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