Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2016 Chevy Malibu or Malibu Unlimited with a Blue Ox Tow Bar  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

The Blue Ox base plates from a 2012 Chevy Impala will not fit a 2016 Chevy Malibu Limited. If you have a Blue Ox tow bar though you will be able to use it with the Malibu once the proper base plates are installed. Blue Ox has 1 option for the 2016 Malibu Limited and it is # BX1715. It will fit models with the 2.5 liter motor without the Active Air Shutter system.

If your 2016 Malibu is NOT a Limited model then Blue Ox has 1 option: # BX1726 for the 1.5L or 2.0L I4 Engine - without Active Air Shutter System .

In addition to the tow bar and base plates you may also need safety cables # RM-643 if you don't already have some cables. For lighting you can use a simple magnetic kit such as # RM-2120. Or for a more permanent solution you could use Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit Item # RM-15267.

Also, whether you have a Limited or other model it looks like fuses have to be pulled to flat tow the vehicle. Consult the vehicle owner's manual to confirm. To make this process as easy as flipping a switch you can use fuse bypass # RM76512 for the regular Malibu. For the Malibu Limited there are 2 bypasses needed, # RM76511 and # RM76512.

You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

For the braking system to work properly you may also need a stop light switch kit. On the regular 2016 Malibu if the brake lights do not illuminate when the vehicle is off or if the ignition is in the "tow" position (according to the manual), stop light switch kit # RM-751481 is required. For the Limited it would be # RM-751466.

Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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