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Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2019 Chevy Sonic Hatchback  

Question:

CAn I tow a 2019 Sonic hatch back behind my RV? Do you have what parts I need?

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Expert Reply:

From my research yes, you can tow your 2019 Chevy Sonic. I recommend checking your owner's manual to verify this as well as to find the setup procedure.

We do carry everything needed to tow your Sonic starting with a tow bar. I like Demco tow bars because of the built in rise or drop and the independent arms. The arms moving independently of one another makes it easier to hook up especially on uneven ground. The Demco Commander II, part # DM9511012, is a great tow bar for your Sonic; plenty of weight capacity and it includes safety cables. Pair the tow bar with the Demco base plates that fit the Sonic, part # DM9518294.

The supplemental braking system I recommend depends on the motorhome you're going to be towing the Sonic with. I like the permanently installed systems because other than the initial install they're much easier to use each time you tow. There's no set up other than turning the system on with a switch. If your motorhome has hydraulic brakes then I recommend the Stay-IN-Play DUO, part # SM99251. On the other hand if you have air brakes on the motorhome instead use the Air Force One, part # SM99243. The Air Force One is specifically designed to flat tow a vehicle with a motorhome that has air brakes.

I recommend the LED bulb and socket kit, part # RM-152-LED, to power the Sonic's lights. Bulb and socket kits avoid cutting into the vehicle's wiring completely although you do need to drill a hole in the back of the tail light housing to get the bulb into the tail light assembly. Then the wiring is run to the front of the Sonic and there you install a connector like part # RM-146-7 which gives you a 6-way on the front and a cord to go between the Sonic and motorhome. With the 6-way you also have the ability to add a charge line, part # RM-156-25, to maintain the Sonic's battery while towing.

According to GM you need to pull at least one fuse to flat tow the Sonic. Roadmaster offers fuse bypass systems so you don't have to get into the panel and pull the fuse each time. If your Sonic does not have the keyless access feature then you only need to pull the DLIS FUSE 1 fuse and you can use part # RM76511 for the bypass. This way you just flip a switch instead of pulling the fuse out.

On the other hand if you do have the keyless access model there are four fuses to pull. You can install three bypasses to get all four of them; two of part # RM76511 for the F07 and the DLIS 1 fuses and part # RM76512 for both the BCM1 and BCM2 fuses which are in the passenger compartment fuse block. You only need one # RM76512 FuseMaster for both of these fuses.

Finally, you might need a high-low adapter to make the tow bar level. You want it within 3 inches of level when everything is hooked up. The Demco tow bar has a built-in 1-1/2 inches of rise or drop and can be tilted to increase that to up to 3 inches. If this isn't enough to get you within 3 inches of level then you need to go with a high-low adapter as well. To know if you need an adapter measure the height of the receiver tube on the motorhome and compare it to the height of the base plates on the Sonic. I've linked an article that explains it in more detail, and I've also added a link that takes you to our selection of high-low adapters to choose from once you know what you need. Keep in mind the tow bar can compensate for up to 3 inches of rise or drop before an adapter.

In addition to the parts I've also linked some install videos and help articles to this page for you.

expert reply by:
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Charles S

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