Can a 2015 Chevy Sonic with Automatic Transmission be Flat Towed

Updated 01/17/2020 | Published 07/01/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3594)

$575.00

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(541)

$1450.59

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord

(3502)

$165.27

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

(421)

$850.00

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

(673)

$74.09

Question:

Can i flat tow my 2015 Chevy Sonic with Automatic Transmission ? My manual says i cannot flat tow it if it is an RS, mine is a LTZ

asked by: Dan T

Expert Reply:

Everything I have found on the 2015 Chevy Sonics with automatic transmissions is that they are flat-towable as-is.

First you would need to start with a base plate kit. For that you would want the part # RM-523173-5 which is a confirmed fit. I attached an install video for this for you to check out as well.

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, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed 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.

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.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Gerald W.

1/14/2020

I am considering buying a used 2015 sonic that has a base plate already installed. The base plate resembles a rm523173-5 but not sure. The removable arms are missing. Can they be purchased separately? Thank you.

Jason S.

1/17/2020

The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-523173-5 or Crossbar Style # 523173-4 are almost identical in the base. There will be a tag on the baseplate that will have a part number and the lower right of that same tag will have a date tag right under the warning. With those numbers you can use # RM-ARMS to purchase the replacement arms needed.