Recommended Parts for Flat Dinghy/Recreational Towing a 2008-2010 Chevy HHR

Published 08/14/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2125)

$575.00

Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(477)

$670.00

Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles

(28)

$69.95

Roadmaster Tow Bar Cover

(652)

$74.64

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1199)

$45.64

Roadmaster Tow Defender Protective Screen for Towed Vehicles

(208)

$615.00

Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,000 lbs

(157)

$1375.00

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit - Chevrolet HHR

(622)

$53.24

Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles - 20-Amp ATM Mini-Fuse

(357)

$83.92

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(754)

$1175.00

Question:

I'm considering a 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet HHR. What do I need to flat tow it?

asked by: Schwent

Expert Reply:

To flat tow your 2008-2010 Chevy HHR you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and most likely a high-low adapter.

For base plates I recommend going with either Roadmaster part # 3141-1 for a Standard model or part # 523159-1 if you have an SS model. The tow bar I recommend for either of these kits is the Roadmaster Sterling All Terrain # RM-576. This is rated for 8,000 lbs and comes with safety cables that are rated the same.

The Sterling All Terrain tow bar also comes with some wiring. To complete the wiring on your HHR I recommend using the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit # HM56100. Once the connectors are installed behind your tail lights and the 4-Way is run to the front of your HHR simply cut off the 4-Way connector and splice the wires into the 6-Way socket that came with the tow bar according to the attached picture.

You need to pull a fuse to flat tow your HHR. To make this process quicker we have the FuseMaster Fuse Bypass # RM76511. You can also install the Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25 from your battery to the center pin of the 6-Way socket mentioned above to prevent your battery from draining.

I highly recommend using the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251 as your braking system. Once installed you hardly notice the unit is there. When you get ready to flat tow you just have to connect the breakaway switch and turn the unit on. Using the Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751428 will ensure that your tail lights operate properly with a braking system.

Most flat towing situations need a high-low adapter for the tow bar to remain level. I have linked our selection of adapters for you to check out, as well as a helpful article that will help you determine which is the best one for your application.

A few products that help keep your tow bar and vehicle in great shape are the Tow Bar Cover # RM-055-3, for when you are not towing, and the Tow Defender # RM-4750 to protect your HHR from flying debris.

Attached are some videos and helpful articles for you to check out. Be sure to consult your owner's manual for any special instructions for flat towing your HHR.