Best Base Plate And Flat Tow Setup FOr 2024 Chevy Equinox RS AWD With Front Lower Shutter

Updated 09/04/2025 | Published 08/01/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3640)

$575.00

etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates - RV Mount - 6,000 lbs

(359)

$855.69

Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only

(432)

$218.40

Roadmaster Smart Diode Kit for Variable Voltage LED Tail Lights - 7-Way to 6-Way Adapter Cord

(376)

$267.42

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

(839)

$1245.50

Question:

Hello! I need a tow bar baseplate for a 2024 Chevy Equinox RS AWD. Road Master makes this one, 523193-5 Road Master EZ5 Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms Item RM-523193-5 AND Blue Ox makes one as well. It looks to me that NEITHER will mount up as I have the factory installed lower radioator shutter. Is that correct? So, I have to REMOVE the shutter in either case? I wonder if that will be an engine cooling issue? If I have to permanently remove the lower shutter, WHICH brand would you recomend I purchase? Thanks! Jim

asked by: Jim J

Expert Reply:

Hello Again, Jim. The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-523193-5 will fit your 2024 Chevy Equinox BUT the factory installed lower shutter would need to be permanently removed. There is no base plate that will allow you to retain the shutter.

That said, here is the full list of parts I recommend for flat towing your Equinox:

- Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-523193-5

- Roadmaster Smart Diode Kit for Variable Voltage LED Tail Lights - 7-Way to 6-Way Adapter Cord # RM38FR

- etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates - RV Mount - 6,000 lbs # e74ZR

- Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only # RM-766

- Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional # SM99251

expert reply by: Jesse M

Jim J.

8/4/2025

Hi Jesse, Okay, thanks for your current equipment recommendations for my 2024 Chevy Equinox RS AWD. Understood that I have to remove the lower shutter that supplies cooling air to the turbo intercooler in order to mount the any baseplate. I am also considering tow bars manufactured by NSA. I like their mechanically activated towed vehicle brake system that is integrated into the tow bar. Seems like that would eliminate a lot of extra expense and installation of the other available supplementary braking systems available. I am considering purchasing their Hercules 12,000 lb. Complete Tow Bar Kit (Integrated Braking System included) as that tow bar is 5" longer than most other models. Reason being is that I want to add a dual outlet receiver hitch to the class A motorhome as I have to install a heavy duty (Swagman) two eBike carrier above whatever tow bar setup I get for the Equinox. This motorhome has a 5,000 lb. tow rating. Does eTrailer sell the NSA equipment? What do you think about their design? Thanks again!

Jesse M.

8/4/2025

@JimJ So we do not sell the NSA brand here. I have heard good things about them and that people like the convenience of the braking system, but since we don't sell it here I have not worked with them hands on so I can't offer a great comparison. From what I hear they are similar to Roadmaster or Demco quality wise which is good. I do know the NSA tow bars can be adapted to work with Roadmaster or Blue Ox tow bars, so it can still be used with the other equipment I recommended. Keep in mind if you do use a dual hitch adapter you will need extensions for your safety cables. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help with.

Jim J.

9/4/2025

Hey Jesse, Demco tells me that in addition to their Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional, that I will also need a charge line to trickle charge the 2024 Chevy Equinox RS AWD battery. Is there a relatively inexpensive wiring solution for this? Also, do I really need some sort of brake light switch on this Equinox with LED rear lights to make everything work properly with the Roadmaster Smart Diode Kit for Variable Voltage LED Tail Lights? Thanks!

Jesse M.

9/4/2025

@JimJ Yes we do carry a charge line kit that can be used for this, the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25. The stop light switch will not be needed if you are using the Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System. You will need the battery disconnect I mentioned above though.

Jim J.

9/4/2025

@JesseM Yep, the Roadmaster solenoid battery disconnect is on my list! One oddity about that '24 Equinox is there is a single 5 amp fused wire attached directly to the battery positive terminal. According to my wiring schematics, this is for the "B110 Battery Sensor Module and the K9 Body Control Module." Now, according to GM, they require the NEGATIVE battery cable be disconnected while towing. However, as I will attach the battery disconnect to the POSITIVE battery terminal instead, I'm wondering if I should move this 5 amp fused wire to the dead side of the disconnect so that it is NOT powered upon disconnecting the battery with the Roadmaster switch. As per GM stating to disconnect the negative battery cable while towing, this 5 amp fused "battery sensor module" wire would be unpowered while towing anyway. What do you think? Thank you.

Jesse M.

9/4/2025

@JimJ Yes you will want to install the disconnect on the positive side of the battery, even if your manual says to disconnect the negative side. As long as that 5 amp fuse would not be powered when towing, you would be fine to wire to the dead side of the battery. Just don't forget to put it back how it was when you are done.