Base Plates, Tow Bar, Safety Cables, Lighting, and Braking System to Flat Tow a 2009 Chevy Malibu  

Question:

Expert Reply:

We do have base plates to flat tow your Malibu, but the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit, # 523102-1, is designed to fit the 2000 - 2002 Saturn L Series All Models, so it is not a fit for a 2009 Chevy Malibu and it cannot be modified to fit.

Instead, you will need to use # 523145-5. These are EZ style base plates that are compatible with several different tow bars. A good economical tow bar is the RoadMaster Tracker Tow Bar, # RM-020. To make the EZ base plate arms removable, you will also need Quick Disconnect Kit, # RM-201.

There are several other components needed to safely flat tow a vehicle including safety cables, like # RM-643, a lighting solution, and a supplemental braking system. For lighting, there are 2 options; temporary and permanent. For a temporary solution, you can use a magnetic light kit, # RM-2120. For a more permanent solution, I recommend installing diodes, # RM-154. I have included a link to our flat towing FAQ article page that covers everything you need to know about flat towing.

Most states are not requiring a supplemental braking system on vehicles that are being flat towed, but check with your local Department of Transportation to be sure. The easiest system to install is the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Proportional Braking System, # RM-9400. It installs in minutes and works like a proportional brake controller to apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the RV is braking.

expert reply by: Michael H

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