Do You Need to Run a 2021, 2022 or 2023 Chevrolet Equinox at Certain Times When Flat Towing

Updated 01/03/2023 | Published 01/02/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3322)

$575.00

Curt Custom Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(293)

$414.38

Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Preset

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$1255.08

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1199)

$45.63

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Motorhomes

(140)

$67.55

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

(792)

$1545.00

Roadmaster Smart Diode Kit for Variable Voltage LED Tail Lights

(287)

$160.60

Roadmaster Smart Diode Kit for Variable Voltage Incandescent Tail Lights

(144)

$146.30

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

(754)

$1175.00

Universal Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

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$61.88

Question:

I keep getting roadmaster suggestion parts. Is there a cheaper set of parts than Roadmaster? Maybe Curt???

asked by: Dan C

Expert Reply:

Yes, the engine on your Chevrolet Equinox will need to be run at times when flat towing. The easiest way to determine what needs to be done to flat tow your Equinox is to consult your owners manual.

I went ahead and took a look at the owners manual for both the 2021 and 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. For either model year, you will need to run the vehicle at the beginning of each day and at each RV fuel stop for about 5 minutes. This will ensure proper lubrication of the transmission components.

I have included a list of the parts needed to flat tow below that you can reference to be sure you have everything needed. These parts will fit both the 2021 and 2022 Chevrolet Equinox.

Base Plate Kit: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-523193-5

Tow Bar: Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-676 (this tow bar also includes the needed safety cables)

Tow Bar Wiring: Roadmaster Universal Wiring Kit # RO44FR if you have LED tail lights or Roadmaster Universal Wiring Kit # RO94FR if you have incandescent tail lights

Supplemental Braking System: Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251

According to the owners manual, you will also need to charge the Equinox battery while flat towing. This can be done by adding a charge line.

Motorhome Side Charge Line: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Motorhomes # RM-156-75

Equinox Side Charge Line: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25

Again, you will want to be sure you check you owners manual to ensure you are doing everything that is recommended/required for flat towing your Equinox.

expert reply by: Scott S

Dan C.

12/31/2022

I need to flat tow my 2023 equinox LT behind my RV. What parts do I need for a flat tow kit. All parts including wiring. Thanks

Scott S.

1/2/2023

To flat tow your 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, you will need 5 main parts and you may need a few additional parts depending on your motorhome set-up. The main parts are a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, tow bar wiring and a supplemental braking system. According to the owners manual you will also need to charge the battery which can be done using a charge line kit. All of the parts included in the answer about the 2021/2022 Equinox you asked about, also fit the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox so they would be the same parts listed. Additionally you may need a high-low adapter to keep the tow set-up level (+/- 3"). I have linked a help article that goes over this and how to determine if one is needed. I have also linked our selection of high-low adapters, so you can choose which one is correct for your needs. You will want to consult the owners manual of your Equinox to ensure you are doing everything that is required/recommended to flat tow your vehicle.

Dan C.

1/2/2023

I keep getting roadmaster suggestion parts. Is there a cheaper set of parts than Roadmaster? Maybe Curt???

Scott S.

1/3/2023

No matter which manufacturer you go with, flat towing is not a cheap endeavor. The reason that I keep recommending Roadmaster is because when it comes to flat towing products, Roadmaster makes the best products. However if you are wanting something slightly more economical like the Curt options, I have listed out a more economical package for you below. Base Plate Kit: Curt Custom Base Plate Kit # C28FR Tow Bar: Curt Rambler Steel Tow Bar # C26FR (includes the safety cables) Tow Bar Wiring: Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights # TL21RK Supplemental Braking Kit: Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System # HM39494 You would still want to use the same charge line kits mentioned earlier.