Flat Towing a 2012 Chevrolet Captiva  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Yes, your 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport can be towed with all 4 wheels on the ground. You do have to pull the 2 amp PWR/MODING fuse from the instrument panel fuse block. You can use fuse bypass part # RM76511 so you do not have to pull the fuse every time you want to tow the vehicle.

For a baseplate, I recommend Demco classic base plate kit part # DM9518218. You need a tow bar that is compatible with the Demco baseplate. I recommend the Demco Commander tow bar part # DM9511012 because it can be adapted to fit most brands of base plates if you change vehicles in the future. It features a non-binding design that allows you to disconnect the bar on uneven terrain. The Commander also comes with safety cables so you do not have to purchase them separately like other tow bars that do not include them.

For the wiring, I recommend Roadmaster Diode wiring kit part # RM-15267. The Roadmaster wiring kit splices into the tail lights of the Chevrolet Captiva and extends to the front of the vehicle where it wires into a 6-way plug with included bracket. It comes with a coiled adapter that connects the 6-way on the vehicle to the 7-way on the motorhome that allows the towed vehicle lights to activate when the motorhome lights activate. I have attached of an installation on a Chevy HHR for your reference.

All states require a towed vehicle to be equipped with a supplemental braking system while flat towing. I recommend Stay-IN-Play Supplemental braking system part # SM99251 because once it is installed it requires less maintenance compared to other systems. The Stay-IN-Play depresses the brake pedal of the towed vehicle via an actuating cylinder attached to the brake pedal. The cylinder can remain attached to the brake pedal and does not interfere with driving the towed vehicle compared to other systems that have to be removed each time.

Most flat towing setups require a high low adapter to tow level with the motorhome. To determine how much rise or drop you need to be level with the motorhome, measure from the top of the hitch receiver opening on the motorhome to the ground. Then measure from the center of the baseplate attachment points to the ground. If the trailer hitch is higher, the difference in the measurements is the amount of drop you need. If the base plates are higher, the difference is the amount of rise you need. I have attached a help article about choosing a high low adapter.

expert reply by: Heather A

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