Will Flat Towing 2018 Chevy Equinox Put Mileage on Odometer

Question:

Hello, I have a 2018 Chevy Equinox 1.5 Liter gas FWD and have a Falcon 5250 tow bar with various end connections from previous vehicles. 2000 Silverado PU, Saturn, 2011 Malibu, 2015 Silverado PU. All Roadmaster base plates and wiring used was purchased from Etrailer. With the Equinox I plan to order RM-523193-5 base and bulb and socket RM 152-LED. My Falcon tow bar I purchased in early 2000 is in fine shape and paint like new. I think I have everything else I need for towing. The question I have is with the trans in Neutral and the button pushed to accessory will the mileage NOT add on to vehicle? I read the busser will sound for 30 seconds, okay. And I will need 12 volts wired from MH to vehicle, to keep battery up. In the Equinox Owner’s Manual it does not say anything about pulling fuses or disconnect the battery as I had to do in my old vehicles. Has anyone in your shop heard anything about stopping mileage add on????? Thanks for having a very good company.

asked by: Mich R

Expert Reply:

It depends on the vehicle and how old it is.

Vehicles with mechanical odometers will accumulate miles on the odometer because wheels are rolling. Newer vehicles with electronic odometers typically will NOT put on miles while being flat towed unless the specific flat towing procedure for that vehicle requires that that the ignition be left in the ACC mode while towing and the battery connected.

Since the specific procedure for your vehicle outlined in the owner's manual stipulates that the ignition be left in the ACC mode and the battery left connected, it looks like you will accumulate miles while flat towing, and I'm not aware of any way to prevent that.

The # RM-523193-5 is a confirmed fit for your Equinox, and as long as your older Falcon 5250 tow bar is still in great condition, it'll work great for you. You'll also need safety cables like # RM-643 if you don't already have them.

The # RM-152-LED would also work well. You'll also need a supplemental braking system. If you're planning on hanging on to the vehicle for awhile, a permanently installed system like the Demco Stay in Play # SM99251 if you're pulling with a hydraulic brake equipped motorhome or the Demco Air Force One # SM99243 for air brake equipped motorhomes is recommended. Once the initial installation is complete, the systems are both incredibly easy to use. A charge line kit, part # RM-156-25 is also recommended.

When installed, the base plate will sit right at 15-3/4 inches above ground level. If this height is more than 3 inches +/- that the receiver height on your coach, you'll want to use the appropriate high/low adapter to place the trailer ball within that range. I'll link to our selection of high/low adapters and to some installation videos that you might find helpful.