Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2014 Chevy Malibu Behind an RV  

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It sounds like you are talking about a regular trailer wiring harness used to power trailer lights if your 2014 Chevy Malibu was to tow a trailer. There aren't any tow bar wiring harnesses (to tow the vehicle behind an RV) that require a direct connection to the vehicle battery that I am aware of.

The regular trailer wiring harnesses cannot be used as tow bar wiring harnesses. They do not allow power to flow through them backwards. The actual tow bar wiring harnesses available for your 2014 Malibu, see link, will all get power from the RV.

The options for this vehicle include diode systems and magnetic light systems. If you will be towing the vehicle frequently and are using a supplemental braking system, which is required by law in most states, I recommend either the 6-diode kit, # 154-792-118158, or a magnetic light kit such as # RM-2120.

It also appears that fuses have to be pulled to flat tow the vehicle. Consult the vehicle owner's manual to confirm. To make this process as easy as flipping a switch you can install fuse bypasses # RM76511 and # RM76512. They are not required but make it easier to remove or restore power to those specific fuses.

To complete the flat towing set up you will also need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, and supplemental braking. If you have the 2.0 liter turbo or 2.5 liter I4 motor without active air shutters you can use Roadmaster base plates # RM-523178-4. If it has the 2.5 liter motor WITH active air shutters you can use # RM-523183-4.

For a compatible tow bar I recommend the popular Falcon 2 # RM-520. I have linked a video review of it for you. And for safety cables I recommend # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.

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.

expert reply by: Michael H

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