Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2017 GMC Acadia Limited with a Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar
Question:
What parts do I need to set up my new car for flat/dinghy towing ? Curb weight is 4656 but GVWR is 6411. We have a Falcon 2 from our previous Toad , will we be able to use that legally Thanks
asked by: Bruce B
Expert Reply:
Curb weight is what your 2017 GMC Acadia Limited weighs without people or baggage in it while the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the max amount of weight that your Acadia can handle (which includes the curb weight).
Since the Roadmaster Falcon 2 # RM-520 is rated for 6,000 lbs you have 1,344 lbs that you can put inside your Acadia before you have maxed out the tow bar. Naturally you will want avoid maxing out the weight so that your tow bar isn't straining. I recommend putting no more than 1,000 lbs of equipment in your Acadia if possible.
If the only thing that you have to flat tow your Acadia is the Falcon 2 then you will also need a base plate kit, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter.
As long as your Acadia doesn't have a brush guard then you can use the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit # 523149-1 which is compatible with your Falcon 2 when the quick disconnects are used. If you do have the brush guard then you will need the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1708 instead. For this to be compatible with your Falcon 2 you will need to use the Adapter Brackets # BX88151. Keep in mind that when adapters are used the towed vehicle cannot exceed 5,000 lbs.
For safety cables that have a 6,000 lb rating I recommend the Roadmaster # RM-643 which have a coiled design to keep them from dragging on the ground.
For vehicle tow bar wiring I recommend the Roadmaster Wiring Kit # RM-15267. You will also need to install the Brake Light Relay # RM-88400, and if your Acadia has separate lighting (different lights for brake and turn signals) you will need a Converter # 118158 and 2 additional Diodes # RM-792.
One of the most popular supplemental braking systems we have is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. Once it is installed it will be out of the way and is activated by the flip of a switch. This is a favorite here at etrailer because of that.
Some flat towing setups require the use of a high-low adapter. I have attached a link to our selection of adapters as well as a helpful article that shows how to determine if/ when is needed.
Be sure to follow any specific instructions in your owner's manual for flat towing.
I have attached some additional helpful videos, articles, and instructions for you to check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
Vehicle to Vehicle Tail Light Converter
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- 7 Round
- 7 Round
- Tow Ready
more information >
Roadmaster EZ Crossbar Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster and Demco Tow Bar Adapter Brackets for Blue Ox Base Plates
- Accessories and Parts
- Base Plates
- Tow Bar
- Adapters
- Blue Ox to Roadmaster
- Blue Ox to Demco
- 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 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 Hy-Power Diodes (Qty 2)
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Diodes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Light Relay
- 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 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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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