Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2020 Equinox Premier Ed. With LED Taillights and Active Aero Shutters  

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I would use the Roadmaster # RM-523193-5 Base Plate Kit for Direct-Connect. From looking at the attached instructions (Figure T) the only trimming is to a small area on the left and right of an air dam, behind the grill. You can see the shutters at the top of that figure and they do not appear to be affected. I have also attached a video demonstration of the installation.

This base plate will pair perfectly with the Roadmaster # RM-520 “Falcon 2” standard tow bar rated for 6000 pounds. For a little more cost you can use the Roadmaster # RM-522 “Falcon” All Terrain and Non-Binding tow bar also rated for 6000 pounds.

A non-binding tow bar will let you easily disconnect your tow bar even if your coach and towed vehicle is not on level ground or at a difficult angle. The tow bar is the one point in flat towing that gets the most stress and wear. You don't want to go cheap or used for this most important part.

When your coach and towed vehicle are hitched together on level ground, the tow bar should be within 3” of level, otherwise you will need to add a High-Low Adapter like the Blue Ox # BLU34TR.

You will also need safety cables to keep the towed vehicle connected to your coach in case of a tow bar failure. I would recommend the Roadmaster # RM-645 which are 64” long and rated for 8000 pounds. I like that the connectors are made so they can not bounce off the cable hooks. I also prefer the straight cables compared to coiled – it just looks cleaner when they are all tucked away. If you find that your clevis hooks will not fit through the ears on the back of your coach you will need to add Roadmaster # RM-910022 cable connectors rated for 6000 pounds.

Next you will need a tow bar wiring kit. Since your Primier Edition has LED taillights you will need the Roadmaster # RM-152-98146-7 Universal 4 Diode Wiring Kit with 7 to 6 cable. This is also compatible with “combined” lighting systems. This kit includes everything you need to connect your RV's tail, brake, and turn signal lights to your towed car. Diodes prevent feedback and wire your car to operate as a combined system. Includes a 7-way to 6-way straight adapter cord. When you do finally get ready to plug your electrical cables in I would put a little Edelmann # 11755 dielectric grease on those connections. The dielectric grease will keep help keep moisture and corrosion out of your connections.

You have reported that your brake lights DO work when the ignition key is in the towing position. You will not need a Brake Light Switch Kit.

The design of your towed vehicle causes the battery to be used and eventually drained when being towed. You can stop this with the Roadmaster # RM-156-25 Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles. Installs easily using the 12-volt accessory line in your tow bar connector.

Your Equinox weighs in about 3500 pounds so you will need a supplemental braking system installed in it. This will improve braking and handling, and extend the life of your coaches braking system. Additionally, most states require supplemental braking if your towed vehicle is over 3000 pounds. If your coach has traditional hydraulic brakes then I recommend the Brake Buddy # HM39524 portable system that has proportional braking and has a wireless display for your cab so you can see your braking system status or change profiles from your driver's seat.

If your coach has air brakes, then instead of the Brake Buddy system, you will need the Demco # DM26VR supplemental braking system for air brakes.

expert reply by: Les D

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