Do I Need To Cut Holes in the Bumper of a Chevy Equinox To Install Base Plates

Updated 03/21/2019 | Published 03/20/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3336)

$575.00

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(1247)

$156.44

Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles

(91)

$74.49

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1205)

$42.86

Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs

(794)

$1545.00

Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles - 50-Amp FMX Fuse

(357)

$141.53

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

(357)

$83.98

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

(759)

$1175.00

Question:

Hi everyone I have read some of your articles to flat tow my Equinox, mostly it goes over my head. We have Jayco class C 2019 the year they left off the cool stuff ??. We also live in Ontario so costs are higher. First do they need to cut holes in my bumper? If so Im not doing it Second who does the brake system and does this effect anything when I need new brakes? Third I will have to pay someone so should I go to my GM dealer or my RV dealer who does not know my vehicle? Forth if I drive to USA again what options Last we were going to buy the swagman original you recommended for our 3 bikes, can we still use it my car does not have tow hitch Many thanks

asked by: Karen

Helpful Expert Reply:

The base plate kits for your 2017 Chevrolet Equinox that we offer don't require you to cut any holes in the bumper so no worries here. If you take a look at the attached photo you will see how the arms are able to protrude through without cutting. They use an opening already present opening on the vehicle. In regards to a supplemental braking system, they will not have any adverse effect on the vehicle's physical braking components (rotors, pads, calipers etc.).

When it comes to the installation of flat towing components, the best option you have is to take the vehicle to a local RV dealer. The GM dealer would not install any of these aftermarket flat-towing components on your vehicle most likely. The RV dealer may not have as much experience with a Equinox but they will be far more knowledgeable about the particular components. Unfortunately, we do not have any recommended installers either here in the US or in Canada. I recommend that you take the vehicle to an RV dealer that you trust.

I have attached a list of the flat-towing components I recommend for your Equinox below.

Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain Tow Bar part # RM-676
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-523184-5
Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles part # HM56108
Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles part # RM-156-25
SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System part # SM99251
Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles part # RM-76517 (I4 Models)
Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass part # RM76511 (V6 Models)

In regards to the Swagman Original part # S64152-2, this bike rack can indeed be used on the back of the Equinox while in tow but you will need a trailer hitch to do so. I recommend the etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver part # E98865.