What Is The Last Model Year Of GMC Acadia That Can Be Flat Towed

Updated 07/09/2025 | Published 08/02/2023

Question:

What is the last model year of GMC Acadia Denali that can be dinghy towed?

asked by: Ralph

Expert Reply:

Any GMC Acadia 2020 or newer would need to be towed on a dolly like the Demco Kar Kaddy # DM9713045. The 2019 and earlier models are able to be flat towed.

If you have a 2019 model (or earlier) that you need to set up to flat tow, I can definitely help. Just let me know the year your Acadia was made and I can put together a parts list for you.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Micah

3/1/2024

What’s the flat tow setup for a pre 19 Acadia

Jesse M.

3/4/2024

@Micah Here is what I recommend: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-523189-5 etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e84ZR Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking System # DM86VR Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25

Micah

3/4/2024

2018 Acadia SLT I prefer Blue Ox products Towing behind 2001 Newmar Dutch Star I would also appreciate any links to GM showing the requirements for flat towing. In the research I have done, it seems to be a mixed bag on these GM small SUVs Acadia or Terrain or the Chevy equivalents. I've read everything from "hook it up and tow all day" to "you can only tow at 55 mph and have to stop every 5 hours to run the towed vehicle engine for 5 min to lube the trans back up and cycle through the gears" Maybe I should switch to a grand cherokee with the 2 speed transfer?

Louise

5/20/2024

@Micah I love the grand Cherokee L overland that can be flat towed, but understand it’s likely to have the dreaded death wobble due to the steering locking up. So we are looking for another car now.

Donna M.

4/11/2024

Please send me parts needed to flat tow a 2007 GMC Acadia Thank you! Donna

Jesse M.

4/11/2024

@DonnaM Sure thing, Donna! Here is what I recommend: - Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1675 - etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e67ZR - Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 - Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass # RM-76517 - Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System # SM99251 Keep in mind that in order to flat tow this vehicle fuses will need to be pulled. Please refer to your owners manual and thoroughly read and understand all information related to towing your vehicle. GM released a technical service bulletin for the 07 Acadia and you can see it using the link below: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2013/SB-10064426-9133.pdf

Aqeel

4/28/2024

I hav 2917 gmc Acadia limited. I need to know if it can be flat towed to my Rv and accessories are needed for this purpose? Thanks.

Jesse M.

4/29/2024

@Aqeel According to GMC, both 2wd and 4wd models of the 2019 GMC Acadia can be flat towed. Here is what I recommend: - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-523189-5 - Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All-Terrain Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs # RM-422 - RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs # RM-643 - Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 - Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional # SM99251 - Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25 As with any flat tow setup, we recommend that you check our owners manual and thoroughly read and understand all information pertaining to flat towing.

Aqeel

4/28/2024

I have ASCENT TOW BAR WITH 2.5IN RECIEVER Mfr # BX4375 Zoro # G702481500 Can I flat tow with this blue ox tow bar my 2017 gmc Acadia to my RV. Thanks.

Jesse M.

4/29/2024

@Aqeel potentially yes. You would need to get the Blue Ox base Plate # BX1728. This would also require your motorhome to have a 2-1/2" receiver for the tow bar. Otherwise, I suggest going with the Roadmaster parts I suggested earlier.

Donna

5/14/2024

I have a 2019 keyless 6cy

Jesse M.

5/14/2024

@Donna Here is what I recommend: - Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # BX1728 - Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs # BX7420 - Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional # SM99251 As with any flat tow setup I do suggest that you check your owners manual and thoroughly read and understand all info pertaining to flat towing. Especially since you have a keyless model.

Robert H.

7/22/2024

What would it cost to set-up a 2016 GMC Acadia Denali AWD so to can be flat towed?

Matthew W.

7/24/2024

@RobertH Thanks for reaching out, Robert. Here are the part I recommend for flat towing a 2016 GMC Acadia Denali AWD: - Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # BX1708 - Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 - Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles - 50-Amp FMX Fuse # RM-76517 - Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles - (2) 20-Amp ATC/ATO Fuses # RM76514 - etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue Ox and Curt Base Plates - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10.5K # e67ZR - Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional # SM99251 Keep in mind that fuses will need to be pulled for flat towing, so the fuse disconnects are a requirement for this model year. Please read over the flat towing section of your owners manual to verify exactly which fuses. Also, you may need a drop hitch such as part # BLU28XR to compensate for any height differences between the base plate arms and the hitch on your motorhome. Anything more than 3" out of level will require a drop hitch.

Kim

8/23/2024

I have a 2017 GMC Acadia and would like to know if we can flat tow

Jesse M.

8/23/2024

@Kim Thanks for reaching out, Kim, and yes, the 2017 GMC Acadia can indeed be flat towed. Here are the parts I recommend: - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-523189-5 - Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 - etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate - RV Mount - 10,500 lbs # e84ZR - # Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional SM99251 Note that the base plate will NOT fit models with active air shutters. Please do check your owners manual and make sure you read all of the information in the flat towing section.

Kim

8/24/2024

@JesseM Is it compatible with the blue ox hitch ? Thanks

Jesse M.

8/26/2024

@Kim What part are you referring to? If you are asking if the etrailer XHD Tow Bar # e84ZR is compatible with the Blue Ox base plate, the answer to that question is no. If you are asking about something else please be more specific and I am happy to look into it.

See All (7) Replies to Kim ∨

Marc

9/14/2024

Just bought a 2025 37 foot Super C. Looking at a 2024 GMC Acadia AWD. Plan on dolly towing it on the Demco Kar Kaddy ET sells. Downloaded a copy of the Acadia owners manual. It's very clear...no flat towing. And very clear that you can only dolly tow it with front wheels off the ground. Nowhere does it mention AWD or FWD. And no service dept has a clear answer on it either. GM customer service just references what's in the manual. It has an AWD switch which I'm assuming, when off, it'll be in free wheeling rear tire mode...ready to dolly tow. It clear about what you cannot do, and clear about what you can do. But...will it dolly tow, engine off, front wheels on dolly, rear wheels free to roll, without damaging anything? Thank you!

Jesse M.

9/16/2024

@Marc So we don't have much towing info for the 2024 models yet. I even checked with Roadmaster and its the same situation. No specific info for the 2024 model. Aside from what is in your owners manual, a GMC dealership will be the best source of info for this. I looked over the owners manual and it looks like the verbiage is trying to discourage people from towing the 2024 Acadia behind a motorhome. We haven't seen one here at our shop yet though, so getting ahold of GMC will be your best bet.

Marc

9/16/2024

@JesseM Thank you for the reply. I called GM and they referred me to the owners manual. They were very nice and said, from their perspective, if you follow the manual you should be ok. but the manual is for both FWD and AWD vehicles. To me, for a FWD, and you use a dolly under the front drive wheels, the rear wheels will be free rolling, so no issues with towing. It's the AWD part that bugs me. There's a button on the dash to engage and disengage the rear wheels, so maybe that's enough. If you look at the manual (I downloaded it from GM website) on page 322 it's really clear that you can tow an Acadia, but only pull behind an RV with a dolly. A local GM dealership told me the same, but I'm still leery of buying a vehicle, and a dolly, and I can't pull behind an RV. If you have any thoughts let me know. I'll report back once I get the final word...maybe today. Thank you!

Jesse M.

9/16/2024

@Marc "The vehicle is neither designed nor intended to be towed with all four wheels on the ground. If the vehicle must be towed, a dolly should be used" To me that is the main bit to focus on. They are basically saying you can dolly tow but only if you must. And the FWD/AWD thig does apply to older model years, but it may not necessarily be true for the newer models. If you haven't purchased this vehicle yet, and your intention is to flat tow frequently, I would have to encourage you to look at a different vehicle that is actually designed to be flat towed. Like a Jeep for example.

Marc

9/17/2024

@JesseM I'm back with an update. Thank you for your past comments. You and all of your teams are awesome. Putting in the time with real world and accurate info. I've purchased a lot from e-Trailer over the years. Great products and support. So...I jumped into this thread related to flat towing. With the newer vehicles that won't happen. So dolly towing is my choice. I'm buying a 2024 GMC Acadia AWD. I've beaten this up enough...but it says you positively cannot flat tow, but you can (sort of) dolly tow. It isn't specific related to AWD and FWD. Here's the scoop. I'm buying an AWD. You pull the AWD Acadia onto a dolly. You make sure the AWD button is off so it's in FWD. You put it in park. You make sure the parking brake is off, and you disconnect the negative battery cable. You are done. Rear wheels free wheel. Brakes don't auto engage when they are rolling. I'm going to install a marine battery cutoff switch to make the battery disconnect easy. So YES...you can dolly tow a GMC AWD, front wheels on a dolly, following what I shared. I know it's just me sharing this...but trust me...I've been all over this for days. A former mechanic, service manager, GM, then a dealer rep for GM. I pound away till I feel comfortable. I'm good. Buying the folding Demco dolly from e-trailer in a week or so. Thank you!

See All (5) Replies to Marc ∨

Cheri

4/2/2025

Hello, I have a 2019 Acadia Denali and would like to know what I need to tow it behind a motor home.

Jesse M.

4/3/2025

@Cheri Sure thing! Here is what I recommend for the 2019 GMC Acadia Denali: - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-523189-5 - Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All-Terrain Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs # RM-422 - RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs # RM-643 - Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 - Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional # SM99251 - Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25 Keep in mind if you have the Active Air Shutters, the base plate would not be compatible. The shutter would need to be permanently removed. Please make sure you read over your owners manual and follow all steps involved with flat towing.

Terry

4/22/2025

I have a 2017 gmc Acadia Denali and would like to tow it behind my motorhome. What do I need to do?

Jesse M.

4/23/2025

@Terry Sure thing! Here is what I recommend for the 2017 GMC Acadia: - Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # DM99YV - etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate - RV Mount - 10,500 lbs # e84ZR - Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord # RM-15267 - Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional # SM99251 That covers all of the required parts. I do suggest you get a cover # e76FV and lock # e98881 for your tow bar. You may also need a drop hitch like part # BLU28XR to keep the tow bar level. Feel free to leave a reply and let me know if you need anything else.