Do I need a DC to DC charger when flat towing a 2019 Chevy Equinox?

Published 07/28/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Victron Orion-Tr Smart Isolated DC-DC Charger w/ Bluetooth - 3-Stage Charging

(1)

$243.95

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1417)

$51.15

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Motorhomes

(151)

$58.90

Question:

Setting up a charge line for a 2019 Chevrolet. Equinox Looking at an Orion DC to DC charger AI. Recommends, I get a 50 amp and dial it down to 20. But cant I just get a 20 amp, or am I missing some features?

asked by: Richard Q

Expert Reply:

Hey Richard,

Thanks for your question. I don't think you'll need a DC-to-DC charger just to keep your Equinox's battery maintained while it's being flat towed. In most cases, a standard charge line kit is all that's needed. The Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25 connects your Equinox's battery to the center pin of the 6-way connector on the front of the vehicle. This allows the motorhome to supply charging current while you're towing, helping keep the battery topped off.

You'll also want to make sure your motorhome is supplying 12-volt power to the charge line. Many motorhomes already have this circuit wired from the factory, and it's easy to verify. Using a voltmeter, check the 1 o'clock pin on the motorhome's 7-way connector. If you don't have 12 volts at that pin, you'll also need the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Motorhomes # RM-156-75 to provide power to the charge line.

Out of curiosity, are you simply trying to keep the Equinox's battery charged while towing, or are you also planning to power additional accessories during the trip?

expert reply by: Christopher H

Richard Q.

7/28/2026

Just towing. There is a charge line through a diode and connected to the battery.

Christopher H.

7/28/2026

@RichardQ Where is the diode located in the setup? I understand the reasoning behind the diode but it is usually not needed.

Richard

7/28/2026

@ChristopherH The diode is just before the positive side of the Equinox's battery.

Christopher H.

7/28/2026

@Richard Gotcha. There is no issue with having it there but it doesn't typically come with any of the charge line kits which is why I asked. Let us know if you need anything else.