Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2016 Chevy Malibu or Malibu Unlimited with a Blue Ox Tow Bar
Updated 08/28/2017 | Published 08/26/2017
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
will the base plate for my 2012 impala fit on 2016 malibu. blue ox plate.
asked by: Harvey B
Helpful Expert Reply:
The Blue Ox base plates from a 2012 Chevy Impala will not fit a 2016 Chevy Malibu Limited. If you have a Blue Ox tow bar though you will be able to use it with the Malibu once the proper base plates are installed. Blue Ox has 1 option for the 2016 Malibu Limited and it is # BX1715. It will fit models with the 2.5 liter motor without the Active Air Shutter system.
If your 2016 Malibu is NOT a Limited model then Blue Ox has 1 option: # BX1726 for the 1.5L or 2.0L I4 Engine - without Active Air Shutter System .
In addition to the tow bar and base plates you may also need safety cables # RM-643 if you don't already have some cables. For lighting you can use a simple magnetic kit such as # RM-2120. Or for a more permanent solution you could use Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit Item # RM-15267.
Also, whether you have a Limited or other model it looks like 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 use fuse bypass # RM76512 for the regular Malibu. For the Malibu Limited there are 2 bypasses needed, # RM76511 and # RM76512.
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.
For the braking system to work properly you may also need a stop light switch kit. On the regular 2016 Malibu if the brake lights do not illuminate when the vehicle is off or if the ignition is in the "tow" position (according to the manual), stop light switch kit # RM-751481 is required. For the Limited it would be # RM-751466.
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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Completely Hidden
- Blue Ox
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: replacement master cylinder cap
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Q&A: Rubber Piece for Cap on Titan Model 60 Actuator
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Replacement Master Cylinder Reservoir Plug for Dexter Axle Brake Actuators
- Shop: Replacement Master Cylinder Filler Cap for Dexter Model 60 and Aero 7500 Actuators
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: Which is Better Roadmaster or Blue Ox Tow Bar
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: base plate for tow bar
- Q&A: What Replacement Converter Do I Need for a Series 7300 Model 7345 Converter?
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: Best Flat Tow Package For 2019 GMC Canyon
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Video: Breaking Down the Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System
- Search Results: tow bar
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2007-2018 JK Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited
- Shop: Brake Controller
on Tow Bar Base Plate
