Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2013 Chevy Equinox Behind an RV  

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Expert Reply:

There are 5 main parts need to flat tow your 2013 Chevy Equinox: base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. For Roadmaster base plates you can use # RM-523160-4. There is a Blue Ox option that will fit, # BX1689.

For a tow bar I recommend the Falcon 2 # RM-520. It is rated for 6,500 pounds so it will have more than enough capacity for your Equinox. If you have to use the Blue Ox base plates then you will also need an adapter to use a Roadmaster tow bar, # RM-031.

For lighting you can use a simple magnetic kit such as # RM-2120 or, for a more permanent solution, you can use a diode kit, # RM-154. In either case it looks like a fuse has to be pulled to flat tow your Equinox. To make this process as easy as flipping a switch I recommend fuse bypass # RM76511.

You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply 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.

Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.

How much money you say by doing the install yourself depends on the labor rates in your area. But a rough estimate you will likely be able to save a few hundred dollars in labor if you did everything yourself.

expert reply by: Michael H

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