Flat Tow a 2012 Chevy Cruze with Manual Transmission
Question:
Can I flat tow my 2012 Chevy Cruze with a manual transmission with out doing any damage to the transmission?
asked by: Joe J
Expert Reply:
If you have a manual transmission then the vehicle can be flat towed with all four wheels down and for this you would need a tow bar, base plate kit, safety cables, supplemental braking system, wiring harness, and probably a high-low adapter.
For the 2012 Chevy Cruze there are a few options depending on trim level. base plates for various models. The base plates # 523168-1 are for non-Eco models. If you have an Eco model with active air shutter system then select the # 523170-1 option.
I recommend the Falcon 2 tow bar, # RM-520 and RoadMaster 64" Double Hook, Straight Safety Cables, # RM-646.
You will also need a lighting solution for the towed vehicle, something matches the indicator lights of the towed vehicle to that of the motorhome. For non-permanent set-up, I suggest the weatherproof Custer Wireless LED Tow Bar Light with a magnetic base, # LIW-LDTL-7B. For a permanent wiring solution, the Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Wire to 6-Wire Straight Cord, # RM-152-98146-7. It also looks like you will need to pull fuses to flat tow the 2012 Chevy Cruze. Please verify this in your vehicle specific owners manual. If so, I suggest using the Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicle, # RM76512 to make the process easier.
Supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed is required by law, the easiest system to set up and use is the Even Brake proportional braking system # RM-9400. It applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This reduces wear and tear on both vehicles and is the safest way to stop.
Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing and note the linked product review and installation videos below for the products recommended above.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Custer Wireless LED Tow Bar Light - Weatherproof - Magnetic Base - 23" Long - 7-Way Round
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Custer
more information >
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Wire to 6-Wire Straight Cord
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 64" Double Hook, Straight Safety Cables - 8,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Straight Cables
- 64 Inch Long
- 8000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- 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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar for Blue Ox Base Plates - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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