Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2017 GMC Terrain AWD Behind an RV  

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Expert Reply:

I completely understand how you feel. Flat towing a vehicle can seem overwhelming but I am happy to walk you through the parts you will need.

The first thing to check is the vehicle owner's manual. I checked it online and on page 266 it states that front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models can be flat towed! So that is a step in the right direction. You will also want to look through that section of your owner's manual for the procedures required to flat tow your 2017 GMC Terrain.

The first part you will need is a set of base plates. The base plates install on the front of your Terrain and provide a proper and safe connection point for a tow bar. For base plates you can use # RM-523184-4. However, these and all of the base plates for your Terrain will not fit models that have adaptive cruise control and/or active air shutters. With that said you might be able to relocate the adaptive cruise control sensor and modify the active air shutters. But it you cannot or do not want to then the Terrain will have to be placed on a flat bed trailer to be transported. I have linked a video showing an example installation of these base plates on a similar vehicle.

Next you will need a compatible tow bar. The tow bar is the main connection between the back of the RV and the front of the Terrain. For a tow bar I recommend one with telescoping arms and that has a 2 inch shank to fit a 2 inch hitch receiver. The Roadmaster Falcon 2 # RM-520 fits the bill! I have included a link to a video review of this tow bar for you.

You will also need safety cables. Safety cables are needed as a fail safe should the tow bar become disconnected from either the RV or Terrain. I recommend # RM-643. The coiled design will help keep the cables off of the ground.

Next you will need a lighting kit because a towed vehicle is considered a trailer and requires lights! There are simple magnetic kits such as # RM-2120 which are inexpensive and easy to use but if you will be towing the vehicle for long distances or often then I recommend a more permanent solution such as diode kit # RM-15267. I have linked a video showing installation on a similar vehicle.

According to the vehicle owner's manual you will need to pull fuse #32, Discrete Logic Ignition
Switch fuse, so the battery does not drain while towing the Terrain. Because pulling a fuse and reinstalling it every time can be a chore you could instead use fuse bypass # RM76511 so all you have to do is flip a switch rather than pull the fuse. It isn't required but I do recommend it.

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.

You will also need stop light switch kit # RM-751439 to ensure the supplemental braking system is functioning properly. Also brake light relay # RM-88400 is required to prevent the towed vehicle's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn. The RM-88400 relay is not required when using magnetic tow lights

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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