Flat Towing 2018 Chevy Sonic Behind RV
Question:
Dinghy towing guides show this model as towable. The manual says the key position is Accessory. In that position the steering wheel is not released. Should I be concerned about this.
asked by: Randy
Expert Reply:
I took a look at the online owner's manual for your 2018 Chevy Sonic and found that it is indeed flat towable behind an RV with all 4 wheels on the ground. As you mentioned, there are specific steps listed in the manual that you will want to follow before heading out on your trip. At the end of the steps you will turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY and then shift the transmission to N (Neutral). The steering wheel should be unlocked at this point to allow proper turning during travel.
You may need to just give the wheel a little tug after turning the ignition to ACC for it to fully release. Otherwise if the wheel still doesn't unlock then I recommend visiting a local Chevy dealer to see what might be causing this issue.
In order to flat tow the Sonic you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution, and a supplemental braking system.
Starting with the base plates I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1703. This is custom fit for your Chevy Sonic and features hidden reinforcements for a clean, unobtrusive look when you aren't towing the vehicle. I have attached an installation video that you can use for reference.
Then for a tow bar I highly recommend the Blue Ox Alpha # BX7380. This is a great tow bar with a non-binding design for easy hookup and a weight capacity of 6,500 pounds. Safety cables are included so they won't need to be purchased separately.
For a lighting solution the Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit # RM-155 will work well. This will let you wire the Sonic so that it accepts the RV's brake, running, and signal lights for flat towing. You will need to pull some fuses on your Sonic (check your owner's manual for the specific locations) before heading out so using a fuse bypass # RM76512 is a good idea to simplify this process each time you tow.
Then for a supplemental braking system I really like the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. This proportional system will activate the brakes in the Sonic at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in your RV. This is a maintenance free system that will require very little attention after the initial installation.
Finally, in order to keep your tow bar level you may need a high-low adapter. I have attached an article that explains exactly how to choose the best one for your setup, along with a link that will take you to our available selection.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicle - (2) 20-Amp ATM Mini-Fuses
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Fuse Bypass
- Custom
- Mini Fuse
- Engine Compartment
- 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
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
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on Base Plates
