Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu with a StowMaster Tow Bar  

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To flat tow your 2008 Chevy Malibu with a Roadmaster StowMaster tow bar, you will first want to add a set of base plates. Since you will be using a StowMaster tow bar, I recommend installing the Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit, # 523145-5. The Quick Disconnects, # RM-222, are required for the StowMaster tow bar to connect to the base plate. If your StowMaster tow bar does not have the vehicle side Quick Disconnects, then you will need those as well. I also recommend checking your owners manual for any specific procedures or restrictions that Chevrolet has for flat towing your Malibu.

In addition to the tow bar and base plates, you will also need safety cables, tail light wiring and a supplemental braking system to complete your flat tow setup. For safety cables, I recommend part # RM-643. These are required when flat towing.

For tail light wiring, I have two recommendations. One option is a bulb and socket kit like part # RM-155. This will kit completely bypasses your vehicles wiring, but it does require you to drill a 1 inch hole in the tail light assembly near the brake light to install the bulb and socket. Another option is the Hopkins Tail Light Wiring Kit, # HM56106. This kits does not require any drilling or splicing and simply plugs into the tail light assemblies.

Finally, you will need a supplemental braking system. Most states require the use of a braking system when flat towing. The system that I prefer is the Roadmaster InvisiBrake system, # RM-8700. This system remains permanently installed in the vehicle and does not require any setup or adjustment after it is installed. The installation of this system can seem overwhelming to a novice, so I recommend having it installed by a professional. I have attached a link to an installation video for the InvisiBrake. The vehicle in the video is different from your Malibu, but it should give you an idean on what is involved for the installation.

There are two additional items that I recommend picking up. First, you will want the Stop Light Switch Kit, # RM-751210. This will activate the motor home brake-monitoring system when the brake pedal in the Malibu is applied. I also recommend picking up a fuse bypass, # RM76511. Chevrolet does require fuses to be pulled each time you flat tow and the Fuse Bypass eliminates the hassle of having to pull the fuses each time.

I have attached several help articles on flat towing, wiring and supplemental braking systems for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H

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