Recommended Flat Towing Components for 2010-2013 and 2014-2015 Chevy Equinox  

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For 2010-2013 and 2014-2015 Chevy Equinox models, there are a few components you will need to safely flat tow your vehicle. You will need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, a high low adapter, and a few other parts for power and fuses to make sure everything works together properly. I'll walk you through each part with a brief explanation to assist.

Let's start with the base plates. I recommend the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plates # RM-523160-5 because they have the removable arms and the connections that don't require a quick release bar. This makes the connections to your tow bar really easy and quick to attach or disconnect as needed. I recommend using some Loctite Threadlocker # LT37420 for this installation. For your tow bar I recommend the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights # RM-676. This tow bar comes with the safety cables needed as well as the wiring to make your connection to your Equinox easy. It has LED lights to make it easy to see in the dark and offer protection for the late night or early morning driving or connection. You may also be interested in the tow bar cover # RM-055-3 which will fit the tow bar when in the stored position on your motorhome.

For your vehicle wiring to connect with the tow bar wiring, I recommend the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles # HM56108. This wiring harness will easily connect to the factory wiring harness located behind the tail light assemblies. Then you simply run the wire away from hot components to the front of your vehicle and connect it to the 6-way trailer connector that came with your tow bar. I've attached an article to assist with this connection so you can match function locations.

For your supplemental braking system, I recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251. This system is easy to install and is nicely situated out of the way. It requires only the adjustment at installation and then becomes a plug and play system. This is a favorite with our installation team due to the easy of installation and the simple function. You will also need to install the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit - Chevrolet Equinox # RM-751439 for your motorhome brake monitoring system as well as the 12V charge line kit # RM-156-25 to ensure the correct power to your vehicle while towing and to make sure your vehicle battery is ready for driving after towing.

When flat towing your vehicle fuse(s) must be pulled to protect your vehicle electronics according to your owners manual. If you have a 4 cylinder model, leave fuse #32 intact and pull the ABS fuse instead (Note: some models may label ABS fuse as #15 or #16). Instead of going through this process each time you tow, I recommend installing a fuse bypass switch to make your vehicle ready to flat tow with the flip of a switch. If you choose to use the bypass switch, 4-cylinder models will require fuse bypass # RM-76517, while V6 models will need to use # RM76511.

Finally, you will need a high-low adapter. I've attached an article to help you with the measurements so you get the correct adapter for your specific motorhome and vehicle combination and have also attached a link to your options to assist.

expert reply by: Jason S

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