Flat Towing Components And Requirements For A 2024 Chevy Equinox

Updated 02/14/2025 | Published 08/26/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(707)

$1175.00

etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates - RV Mount - 6,000 lbs

(273)

$811.86

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1102)

$40.94

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3176)

$525.00

Replacement Base Pins with Chains and Clips for Roadmaster Tow Bars - Qty 2

(239)

$32.00

Roadmaster Smart Diode Kit for Variable Voltage Incandescent Tail Lights - 7-to-6-Way Adapter Cord

(135)

$302.17

Roadmaster Smart Diode Kit for Variable Voltage LED Tail Lights - 7-Way to 6-Way Adapter Cord

(256)

$259.86

Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional

(463)

$1329.00

Question:

Do this go for 2024 as well,does this act the same eay as a two speed transfer case. No speed limit 65etc. and no milrs being recorded

asked by: David C

Expert Reply:

2024 models of the Chevy Equinox have the same steps listed as the 2023 models to get the vehicle ready to flat tow:

1. Position the vehicle to be towed and secure it to the towing vehicle.
2. Start the vehicle.
3. If equipped with AWD, engage the AWD system and confirm that it is on.
4. Move the shift lever to N (Neutral).
5. Then, put the vehicle into accessory mode by pressing ENGINE START/STOP one time without the brake pedal
applied. An amber light will appear in the button when in accessory mode. The chime will ring continuously for
30 minutes. Leave the transmission in N (Neutral).
6. Turn off all accessories that are not needed.

They also list that a charge line is required to charge the battery while towing so you'll want to pick up the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25. They list that going over 65 mph can cause damage to the vehicle so you'll want to remain under this speed. With the instrument cluster being turned off it will not track miles traveled.

If you haven't picked out the rest of your flat towing other components then I have the following recommendations:

Baseplate: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-523193-5.

Tow Bar: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e74ZR. This tow bar comes with safety cables included and also has an adjustable head and shank to help keep it level between the motorhome and Equinox. You'll also need the pins # RM-910029 to connect to the baseplate since Roadmaster no longer includes them with the baseplate.

Tow Bar Wiring Kit: All trim models of this model year require smart diodes so for LED lights you'll want part # RM38FR. For Incandescent lights you'll need part # RM26FR.

Braking System: The Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251 you were looking at is a great option, but you'll need to confirm that your motorhome has hydraulic brakes and doesn't use an engine brake as this will activate the system when you're trying to only slow the engine down. An engine brake is going to be in certain diesel engines so if your motorhome uses regular gas you won't have an engine brake.

If you have air brakes then you'll need the Demco Air Force One Supplemental Braking System for Motor Homes with Air Brakes # SM99243 instead.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Max S.

3/5/2024

Since GM changed the rules for flat towing an Equinox AWD, I now must discobnect the negative battery terminal. Will this effect my stay in play brake system? Will I still be able to charge the toad from my RV? Please discuss this situation. Also what will happen if I continue using the directions given. here?

Kevin C.

3/5/2024

@MaxS The Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo # SM99251 would connect directly to the battery so it would be unaffected. The electronics in the vehicle all run to one positive and negative cable to connect to your battery so removing one of these cables would only disconnect the vehicle's electronics and nothing else as long as you don't remove the other aftermarket accessories ( # SM99251). The charge line # RM-156-25 would be connected to the 6-pole socket at the front of the vehicle and then run directly to the battery so it wouldn't be an issue either. The steps listed above are essentially still the same, you'll just be disconnecting the battery as the last step. I'll email you a link to GM's tech bulletin separately so that you can see the updated instructions as well. If you don't want to have to physically remove the cable each time you can also install the # RM-766. This will connect to the positive post instead of the negative but will still function the same and will give you a button to press to disconnect/reconnect the battery.

Max S.

3/6/2024

Sorry. I did find it. You have been very helpful. Thanks. Max S.

Art

2/8/2025

I have found two different sets of instructions for towing a 2024 Chevy Equinox RS. One is to install a Charge line as you mention above. The other is to disconnect the negative battery terminal. What would happen if i disconnected the battery of a tow vehicle rather than installing a charge line?

Kevin C.

2/10/2025

@Art The battery would be disconnected so nothing would be powered within the vehicle. Depending on what braking system you have you could still have a drain on the battery and end up with an issue. The charge line is a safety net to prevent you from having to deal with a dead battery when you need to use the Equinox. What kind of supplemental braking system do you have? I can check to see if it pulls power from the towed vehicle's battery. Either way I'd recommend installing both the battery disconnect # RM-766 and charge line kit # RM-156-25 to make your life easier.

Helpful Links

tv-install-roadmaster-flat-tow-vehicle-battery-charge-2024-chevrolet-equinox-rm-156-25.aspx

Arthur

2/10/2025

@KevinC Thanks. Is the charge kit a DIY with the base plate, tow bar, electrical installed on the toad?

Kevin C.

2/10/2025

@Arthur The charge line # RM-156-25 installation can definitely be done at home. It's just a wire running from the 6-pin socket # PK12720 to the battery with a circuit breaker spliced in closer to the battery. I've linked Ryan's video below where he'll walk you through the installation process. The baseplate and diode wiring kit might be a bit more than you're wanting to do if you aren't super mechanically inclined or have the space to work. You can use our installer locator (linked below) to find a shop near you to complete the install.

Helpful Links

installer/near-me/accessories-and-parts

tv-install-roadmaster-flat-tow-vehicle-battery-charge-2024-chevrolet-equinox-rm-156-25.aspx