Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2016-2017 GMC Terrain or Chevy Equinox  

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We have everything you need to pull your new GMC Terrain or Chevy Equinox behind your RV with all 4 wheels on the ground. To do this you will need a base plate kit, a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution, and a supplemental braking system. These two vehicles are extremely similar so the needed parts will be the same for either option.

Starting with the base plates, I recommend the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit # RM-523184-5. This base plate kit features a hidden bracket design that allows for a clean look when you aren't towing. For a compatible tow bar that will work great with your vehicle I recommend the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain # RM-676. This is a fantastic, non-binding tow bar that will allow for easy release of your vehicle at any time, even on unlevel ground. It features integrated LED lights that illuminate with your RV's tail lights and safety cables are also included so they won't need to be purchased separately.

You might consider adding a tow bar cover ( # RM-055-3 for the Roadmaster or # DM9523042 for the Demco) to help protect the unit from the elements.

Moving onto the lighting solution, I recommend going with the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit # HM56108. This custom harness fits both the Terrain or Equinox and plugs right into factory ports behind the tail lights. This gives your vehicle the needed signal lights for flat towing. Keep in mind that fuses need to be pulled on the vehicle when flat towing (you will just want to check your owner's manual for verification). If you get the 4-cylinder model, I recommend the Fuse Bypass # RM-76517 to make this process easier. If you get the V6 model you will instead need part # RM76511.

For a supplemental braking system, I highly recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. This proportional system activates the vehicle's brakes at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in your RV. The best thing about this particular system is that after the initial installation, it won't require any kind of adjustment or attention as you transition between towing the vehicle behind your RV and driving it for everyday use. The operating unit will stay hidden and out of the way and it will automatically begin to function when connected to the RV. You also need the Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751439 to ensure proper operation of the system.

If you plan on towing for long periods of time, I also recommend adding the Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25. This allows up to 15 amps from the RV's battery to be used to maintain the charge of your Terrain or Equinox's battery while it's being towed.

Finally, you will likely need a high-low adapter like the Roadmaster # RM-076 in order to keep the tow bar level. This adapter features a 6 inch rise or drop. If this is not enough to keep the tow bar in the "Safe Zone" (3 inches above level to 3 inches below level), I have attached a great article that explains exactly how to choose the right adapter and a link that will take you directly to our available selection.

I have also included video demonstrations and written installation instructions for the products mentioned. A couple of additional articles on flat towing have been attached that you might find helpful as well.

expert reply by: Chris R

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