Can 2017 Chevy Sonic Hatchback LT/RS be Flat Towed
Published 03/22/2019 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a 2017 sonic Hatchback LT / RS with a 1.8 engine and automatic trans. because it has the rs logo and dressing package everyone says this can not be dinghy towed. Problem is Chevy says it is the engine and transmission that determines this,,and a 1.8 engine is ok. Can you tell me what do you think?
asked by: Al P
Expert Reply:
We have all the parts needed to flat tow your 2017 Chevy Sonic Hatchback with the 1.8 liter engine and automatic transmission but you'll want to check your owners manual to determine if you can flat tow your vehicle. There will be some fascia trimming though due to the trim of your vehicle. You may find that you can only use a tow dolly like the part # RM-2050-1.
For a base plate kit you'd want the part # RM-523194-5 which is a confirmed fit and will work well. The Nighthawk Tow Bar part # RM-676 that you referenced would be a very good choice too that will work with the base plate kit mentioned.
For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed vehicle. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.
And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, that applies 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.
Most likely you will also need a high low adapter so that the tow bar will be level when you are flat towing. I attached a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.
I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing your vehicle.

Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles - 20-Amp ATM Mini-Fuse
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Fuse Bypass
- Custom
- Mini Fuse
- Engine Compartment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: RetraxONE XR Hard Tonneau Cover - Retractable - Polycarbonate - Matte Black - Accessory T-Slots
- Shop: Tonneau Cover Adapter Kit for Yakima OverHaul HD and OutPost HD Truck Bed Ladder Racks
- Shop: Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles - 20-Amp ATM Mini-Fuse
- Shop: Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, 2" or 4" Drop/Rise
- Shop: Roadmaster Smart Diode Kit for Variable Voltage Incandescent Tail Lights
- Q&A: Can a 2017 Chevy Sonic RS Be Flat Towed
- Search Results: rock guard
- Search Results: rm76511
- Q&A: Ladder Rack and Tonneau Cover Combo for a 2018 Toyota Tacoma with Deck Rails
- Shop: Roadmaster Smart Diode Kit for Variable Voltage Incandescent Tail Lights - 7-to-6-Way Adapter Cord
- Q&A: Does DLIS Fuse Still Need to be Removed on 2012 Chevy Sonic if Magnetic Lights are Used for Towing
- Q&A: Choosing Good Automatic Transmission Vehicle to Flat Tow Behind RV
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing Equipment For A 2019 Chevy Sonic LT With RS Package
- Article: RV Sway Control, Stabilization, and Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Stability Control for Heavy Duty Vehicles
- Article: Best Air Bag Suspension (2023)
- Video: Review of Blue Ox Tow Bar Wiring - Custom Fit Tow Bar Wiring Kit - BLU86XR
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Roadmaster Exact Center Steering Stabilizer w/ Custom Brackets Spec Review
- Video: Set up: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit on a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic
- Video: All About the Blue Ox 7-Wire to 6-Wire, Coiled Electrical Cord
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs Feature Review
- Video: What to Know About the Curt RockerBall Shock Absorbing Gooseneck Hitch Ball
- Q&A: Parts Needed To Add 7-Way Connector To Vehicle With 4-Way Connector
- Search Results: base plate for tow bar
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Search Results: tow bar