Everything Needed to Flat Tow a 2016 GMC Canyon 4x4

Updated 01/15/2016 | Published 01/14/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2203)

$575.00

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(547)

$1676.61

Blue Ox 7-Wire to 6-Wire, Coiled Electrical Cord

(734)

$97.74

Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit

(336)

$131.32

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(425)

$850.00

RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

(673)

$70.90

Question:

Can the 2016 Canyon be dinghy towed? If so, what are the steps to set it up to tow? If steps include disconnecting the battery, wont radio and other pre-sets be lost?

asked by: Ken

Helpful Expert Reply:

I checked the owners manual of a 2016 GMC Canyon it states that the 4x4 models that have a Neutral and Four-Wheel Drive Low setting can be flat towed.

For a base plate kit for your Canyon you would want the part # RM-523182-4 that has been confirmed as a fit.

In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon 2, # RM-520. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.

For lighting you can use the diode kit part # RM-152 and not have to cut the taillight housings. You will also want the # BX88206 to connect this lighting solution to your tow 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. You will also need the batter disconnect part # RM-765.

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.

Here is the entire procedure that GMC recommends:

1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle, facing forward and on a level surface.
2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Apply the parking brake and start the engine.
4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). Check that the vehicle is in N (Neutral) by shifting the transmission to R (Reverse) and then to D (Drive). There should be no movement of the vehicle while shifting.
5. Shift the transmission into D (Drive). Turn the engine off. Then shift the transmission into P (Park).
6. Wait for at least 10 seconds, then restart the engine.
7. Shift the transmission to D (Drive), then turn the engine off again.
8. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery and secure the nut and bolt. Cover the negative battery post with a non-conductive material to prevent any contact with the negative battery terminal.
9. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
10. Move the steering wheel to make sure the steering column is unlocked.
11. With a foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake. Keep the ignition key in the towed vehicle in ACC/ACCESSORY to prevent the steering column from locking.