Recommended Flat Towing Parts for a AWD 2019 Chevy Equinox w/ the 1.5L Engine  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Welcome back Randy! You can indeed flat tow a AWD 2019 Chevy Equinox with the 1.5L engine. GM went back and changed the limitations on the 2019 model year to allow it to be flat towed. You have to put it into service mode but other than that there are no restrictions on flat towing. You are correct about the drive trains being the same in the 2019 and 2020 models.

Here are the parts you'll need to flat tow a AWD 2019 Chevy Equinox with the 1.5L engine:

Tow Bar and Safety Cables -etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar item # e34ZR

Base Plate Kit - etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms item # e98965

Wiring Harness - Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit item # RM26FR if you have incandescent lights or Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM38FR for an Equinox with LED lights.

Supplemental Braking System - SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System item # SM99251 or item # SM99243 if your motorhome has air brakes

Charge Line - Towed Vehicle Battery Charge Line Kit for Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking Systems item # DM66VR. This is the easiest and least expensive way to add the required charge line because it routes through the Demco item # SM99243 and item # SM99251 braking systems.

What kind of motorhome do you have? Feel free to answer this and throw in any other questions you have, where it says Add Comment.

Here is the setup process to get your AWD Equinox in flat tow mode:

Start the engine and allow the battery to charge. While it is running in park, connect the Equinox for flat towing. Shift the vehicle into neutral and press the start button once without pressing the brakes. It should now be in service mode. Turn off the lights, radio, A/C, and any other accessories. After that, you are ready to flat tow it. Remember to charge the battery periodically since it needs to remain ON in that service mode.

expert reply by: Jerred H

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Dennis V.

9/21/2026

I have this tow mechanism on my 2019 Equinox Premiere 2.0 L and it works fine with my Blue Ox tow bars, I like the extra safety pin that secures the yokes in the cylinder I recommend you put a cut off switch on your battery and use it just b4 you start to tow

Jerred H.

9/22/2026

@DennisV That's great to hear Dennis. Glad the baseplate kit is working so well for you. Thanks for coming back and letting us know.