Flat Towing Setup for 2018 Chevy Equinox 1.5L FWD
Question:
I realize prices may vary but about how much does it cost to have all of the work done using a top quality blue ox system with brake controller Rv 2019 tiffin open road 2018 Equinox front wheel drive 1.5 litre
asked by: Jesse
Expert Reply:
I checked the owner's manual for the 2018 Chevy Equinox FWD 1.5L and this car can be flat towed. Like other towable cars there is a preparation process to be followed before each trip and this is covered on page 359 of the online manual.
For the labor cost alone for installing a complete flat towing setup you can figure $2000 as a "ballpark" starting point. This is labor only and is in addition to the parts' cost.
The labor fee will vary depending on whether you select a non-labor-intensive braking system like the portable Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR as opposed to a labor-intensive braking system like the Stay-in-Play # SM99251 (for motorhomes with hydraulic brakes) or the Air Force One # SM99243 (for motorhomes with air brakes). These SMI system have a one-time setup that takes more install time, but only that one time, while the portable Patriot II will require you to re-install it each time you tow the Equinox. Often those that lease a vehicle will choose a portable option.
The other flat towing component that has significant labor time is the base plate kit. These often require removal of bumper trim parts or other components; some of these may need modification before they can be re-installed.
The other main parts to a flat towing setup - the tow bar, safety cables, wiring/lighting kit and high/low hitch adapter - tend to require less install time. Figure the braking system and base plates will tend to take up a big part of the total labor cost for the job. You can avoid some expenses, like the cost of special tow bar adapters, by using a tow bar and base plate from the same maker, say the Blue Ox base plate # BX1730 and their Alpha 2 tow bar # BX7380, which includes safety cables.
You can use a cost-effective magnetic light kit like # TL21RK which is a simple install along with a high/low adapter like # BLU34TR to complete your setup.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Adjustable Drop Hitch Receiver Adapter - 2" Hitches - 4" Rise/Drop - 10,000 lbs
- Hitch Adapters
- High-Low Adapter
- Trailers
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 4 Inch Rise/Drop
- 10000 lbs
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
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 >
Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Demco
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 >
Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Optronics
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Acclaim Non-Binding Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - Car Mount - 5,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Coupler Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 5000 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Stores on Car
- Non-Binding
- Blue Ox
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Search Results: rm~523193~5
- Video: 2019 Chevrolet Equinox Flat Tow Set Up Options
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: sm99251
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Pole Flat Connectors
- Video: Best 2019 Chevrolet Equinox Trailer Wiring Options
- Video: Roadmaster Universal Diode Wiring Kit Installation - 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
- Q&A: How to Tell if you Have the Factory Towing Package 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
- Shop: Single Pole 20 Amp Thermal Circuit Breaker - No Mounting Bracket
- Search Results: turn signal converter
- Shop: Brake Buddy Stealth Supplemental Braking System - Proportional
- Search Results: rm15675
- Search Results: brake buddy braking system
- Search Results: e98984
- Shop: Blue Ox Tail Light Wiring Kit - Bulb and Socket
- Search Results: e98983
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Video: Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System Installation - 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
- Video: Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain Tow Bar Installation - 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
- Video: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit Installation - 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
- Video: SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Braking System Installation - 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
- Q&A: Flat Towing a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox AWD Premier
- Q&A: Recommended Wiring Harness, Charge Line, and Flat Towing Parts for a 2020 Chevy Equinox
on Tow Bar
