Recommended Base Plate Kit and Towing System for 2011 GMC Acadia

Question:

Thanks Jason. That is exactly what I needed. I was also curious about a permanent breaking system, so that's perfect. One additional question: it looks like the wiring harness you recommended would be for a 7-pin hookup off the RV. I'm 99% sure we only have the old 4-pin hookup there (it's a 2006 Damon Daybreak). Should we be using a different wiring harness then?

asked by: Brian R

Expert Reply:

For your 2011 GMC Acadia with billet bumper trim the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # 523149-1 will work just fine. I've attached the installation instructions to assist as there will be some trimming required for this install which isn't uncommon when installing base plates.

Then I recommend the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - 6,000 lbs # RM-520 along with safety cables # RM-643. You will also need a high-low adapter for proper towing height, so I've attached an article to help you with determining best fit between your motorhome and vehicle and have linked the page to your options to assist.

For your wiring, I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 which will allow you to use your factory wiring for the brake lights and turn signals while protecting your vehicle system.

For your braking system, I recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251 which is an extremely reliable system that only needs to be adjusted at installation and then becomes a simple plug and play for towing.

Your vehicle does have a recommended speed restriction of 65 mph and you will want to start the Acadia before towing to circulate fluids and at each fuel stop. Running for just a few minutes does what is required so you won't cause unnecessary wear to your vehicle axles or transmission. You will want to check your owners manual for more information as the 15-amp ECM fuse and the 50-amp BATT1 fuse from the underhood fuse block need to be removed and stored in a safe location.

expert reply by: Jason S

Brian

5/11/2018

Jason S.

5/11/2018

Yes, for that wiring I recommend the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles # HM56107. This is a quick and easy plug in harness that will utilize your vehicle's wiring harness located behind your Acadia's tail light assemblies. Because you will need to disconnect your battery to tow, you may be interested in the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Supplemental Braking System # RM-766 for disconnection at the flip of a switch. Also instead of pulling fuses, you can use the Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass - 13" - 20-Amp Mini-Fuse # RM76511 to allow you that switch on/off option instead of pulling fuses each time.