Can 2018 Chevy Equinox be Flat Towed Safely and Part Needed to Flat Tow

Question

Question:

I am interested in purchasing a 2018 Chevy at equinox to tow behind my motorhome. I have been burned in the past, Ford escape 2011 book says I could tell Ford down. It was warranted for 60,000 miles, at 60,100 miles I had to have the transmission rebuilt and put a transmission pump in. I really like this equinox but I’m a little gun shy. Have any suggestions for me thank you

asked by: Geneva L

0

Expert Reply:

Having an issue come up 100 miles past the warranty must have really stung so I totally understand your trepidation. That said, you can flat tow a 2018 Chevy Equinox front wheel drive with a 1.5L Gas or 1.6L Diesel as well as the all-wheel drive with a 1.6L Diesel and there should not be any issue with flat towing this car so long as you follow the recommended procedures in the owner's manual to do so (which you can find on page 359 of the online manual).

That includes running the vehicle at the beginning of the day and at each fuel stop for five minutes to ensure lubrication of the transmission and never to exceed 65 mph when flat towing. Doing these things should allow you to safely and effectively flat tow an '18 Equinox.

The parts you will need to flat tow a 2018 Chevy Equinox are:

- Base Plate Kit: Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # RM-523193-5
- Tow Bar: Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-676
- Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 (if the Equinox is a Premier model) OR Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-152-LED (if the Equinox is NOT a Premier model)
- Supplemental Braking System: SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251 OR if your motor home has air brakes: SMI Air Force One Supplemental Braking System for Motor Homes with Air Brakes # SM99243

You may also need a high-low adapter in order to keep your Equinox level, and I've added a link to a help article which shows you how to determine if you need an adapter as well as a link to our selection of adapters.

I have added links to video reviews and installs on a 2018 Equinox for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

Answer 1

Jameson stated that the air shutters would have to be trimmed for the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit #RM-523193-5 to fit. the air shutters are made of plastic and can be easily trimmed or cut off completely to allow for the baseplate to…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The correct MX-Style (or Direct-Connect) base plate kit for your 2018 Chevy Equinox is the following: - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit #RM-523193-5 This has brackets custom fit for your vehicle and uses the same type of connection that…

view full answer...

Answer 3

You can still get the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit #RM-523193-5 to fit, but you'll have to trim or even remove some of the air shutters in order for it to fit. Since that's quite a bit of modification Roadmaster just lists the fit…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Yes, all states require a flat towed vehicle to have a supplemental braking system installed. For your 2018 Chevy Equinox I recommend a Demco SBS. There are two different Demco SBS Supplemental Braking Systems, the Stay-IN-Play item #SM99251 and the…

view full answer...

Answer 5

If you are installing just the Firestone Ride-Rite kit, #F2400, and not also adding an on-board air compressor such as #F2158, then I would estimate that it should take about 2 hours to install the kit. That is for someone with some mechanical…

view full answer...

Answer 6

If your current springs have 5 leaves then going to a 7 leaf spring will increase the height of the trailer a little and make the trailer more susceptible to sway. Regarding capacity if you go with springs rated higher than what is required it will…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you…

view full answer...

Answer 8

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

view full answer...

Answer 9

The best option we offer for your dump trailer is the Erickson Mesh Tarp and Truck Bed Cover part #EM57059 which measures 12' wide x 16' long. It's not the exact dimensions you wanted but it will still cover most of the area you need it…

view full answer...

Answer 10

When it comes to choosing between the Blue Ox Patriot #BLU37TR and the Brake Buddy Select 3 #HM39524, these systems are extremely similar in their setup and functionality. Both of these systems provide proportional braking in a compact and easy to…

view full answer...

Answer 11

If your old axles have a 5 bolt brake flange the assemblies like Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 6,000 lbs part #23-105 or Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs part #23-106 will…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Both the Roadmaster and Blue Ox tow bars are great options. But if it was my decision to make I would go with the Blue Ox Avail part #BX7420 as we have found that the Blue Ox tow bars are a little easier to connect and disconnect from. Also this tow…

view full answer...