Everything Needed to Flat Tow A 2014 GMC Acadia Behind RV

Question:

I am needing everything to flat tow a 2014 GMC Acadia behind a 45foot 2018 Tiffin Zephyr Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar - Motorhome Mount - 2inch Hitch - 10K Item # RM-422 This is the tow bar I was looking at. Is this a good choice and what else will be needed to be ready to tow.

asked by: Tripp W

Expert Reply:

I took a look at the online owner's manual for your 2014 GMC Acadia. It states if the vehicle is either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, it can be flat towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. I just recommend verifying this information in your copy of the owner's manual, as it's possible that you have a slightly different model Acadia. The owner's manual will also detail the correct procedures and steps to take before heading out on your trip.

In order to flat tow your 2014 GMC Acadia behind an RV, you will need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, tow bar wiring, and a supplemental braking system.

Starting with the base plates, I recommend Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit # 523149-1. These are are virtually invisible, easy to mount and simple to remove. Brackets install on your GMC Acadia's frame to provide attachment points for your tow bar.

Then for a compatible tow bar, your choice of the Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All Terrain Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-422 is a great choice in product. Because the towing capacity of 10,000lbs is more than enough to safely tow your Acadia. This tow bar has a large hookup radius to ensure simple, secure hookup. Also when your done it stores away very easily. This particular tow bar also requires safety cables # RM-643.

For tow bar wiring, I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267, along with the Quick Battery Disconnect # RM-766. This diode kit will allow you to wire up the Acadia so that it accepts your RV's tail, brake, and turn signals. It includes a 6-Way that will be installed at the front of the vehicle, along with enough coiled wire to reach from there to the RV.

Since you need to remove 3 fuses when flat-towing I recommend part # RM-76517 for one fuse and part # RM76514 for the remaining 2 fuses. These will allow you to just flip the switch from normal to the tow position to override the fuses and you are good to go.

Then for a supplemental braking system, I highly recommend the Stay-IN-Play DUO part # SM99251. It installs in the Acadia and stays there so all you need to do when you're ready to tow is flip a switch.

Lastly, you will likely need a high-low adapter in order to keep your tow bar level. I have attached an article that explains how to choose the best one for your setup, along with a link that will take you to our available selection. I have included video demonstrations and installation details for all the products mentions that you can also take a look at.