Can I Flat Tow a Chevy Equinox? [Here’s How To]

Towing a car behind a recreational vehicle (RV) is helpful when traveling, but you need to decide how to tow the car. Not all cars can be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground. If you have a Chevy Equinox, you might wonder if it can be flat towed. We have researched if this is possible. 

A Chevy Equinox can be flat towed with the appropriate equipment and preparation. Before you get started, be sure to check the towing capacity of the towing vehicle. The weight of the Chevy Equinox varies based on the product year, but it ranges from 3,200 pounds up to 4,000 pounds. Do not tow your Chevy Equinox if it is disabled. 

There is a lot to know about this subject, but it is easy once you understand the process. This post will cover the critical information you need to know before you start flat towing your Equinox.

Can I Flat Tow a Chevy Equinox?

Flat towing can also be referred to as dinghy towing or four on the ground towing. The four tires of the car are still on the road as it is pulled, so all four tires are turning.

Before you get started towing your Equinox, be sure to check the towing capacity of the towing vehicle. The weight of the Chevy Equinox varies based on the product year, but it ranges from 3,200 pounds up to 4,000 pounds. Do not tow your Chevy Equinox if it is disabled.

States have different laws requiring supplemental brake systems for cars over a certain weight, which is why an auxiliary system is required in most states for a vehicle over 3,000 pounds. Some states have other regulations. Make sure that the license plate for the towing vehicle and the Equinox are both visible. No online advice is a substitute for legal advice, so please make sure to check the regulations in all states that you'll be crossing on your trip.

How to Flat Tow a Chevy Equinox 

To tow a Chevy Equinox you will need to -

• Install a hitch on the towing vehicle.
• Install a base plate on your Equinox.
• Wire the tail lights of the Equinox so that they operate while you are towing.
• Add a supplemental braking system.
• Add safety cables

Step-by-step flat-towing a Chevy Equinox

1. Position the Equinox behind the towing vehicle. The Equinox can only be flat towed from the front. Install the tow bar to the rear of the towing vehicle and the front of the Equinox. The tow eye is located between the center and the front right headlight. Use the notch to open the cover, which will expose the socket. Install the tow eye into the front socket of the Equinox.
2. Start the Equinox engine. If your model has an all-wheel drive (AWD), then turn on the AWD and confirm it is activated.
3. Shift the transmission to neutral (N).
4. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button one time without pressing the brakes. This action will activate the car's service mode. You will see an amber light on the button when service mode is turned on.
5. Turn off unnecessary accessories, such as radio, A/C, lights, or heated seats.

The battery of the Equinox does need to be charged when being flat towed. The car is on during towing, so the battery will be drained if you do not charge it beforehand. There are dinghy vehicle battery chargers that can maintain the charge on your Equinox by connecting it to your towing vehicle.

Alternatively, GM initially said to remove fuse 32 of the Equinox to prevent the battery from draining. GM has since updated that advice to remove fuse 16 instead of 32. Doing so prevents your car's battery from draining on long trips and wouldn't require you to recharge your battery during the journey.

Here's a great video that shows you how to set up your Chevy Equinox for towing - 

Is Flat Towing Bad For Your Car?

Flat towing is not bad for your car under the right circumstances. It is essential to make sure you have a vehicle that is safe to tow with four wheels on the ground. General Motors (GM) states not to flat-tow a disabled vehicle. It is recommended to use a flatbed tow truck if your car is disabled.

Manual cars are usually able to be flat towed. As the wheels are turning, the transmission can receive the fluids it needs to stay properly lubricated. Automatic transmissions are not always capable of keeping the transmission lubricated. If you tow the car against the manufacturer's guidelines, you will void your warranty and possibly damage your vehicle.

Chevy Equinox started producing dinghy-friendly automatic cars in 2010. By following the manufacturer's guidance, your Equinox will not be damaged from being flat towed. Follow the steps and make sure you install the equipment according to the instruction manuals.  

Flat towing a vehicle has some advantages over dolly towing. It requires less costly equipment to set up. It is easier, more convenient, and fast to connect and disconnect your car from the towing vehicle. It may be more cost-effective to dolly tow if you plan on switching your towing vehicle and want the accessories to be moved from one vehicle to another.  

What Other Chevy Cars Can Be Flat Towed?

Chevy Colorado 

The Colorado is a mid-size pickup truck and can be towed with four wheels on the ground. The truck weighs more than the Equinox and can range from 3,900 pounds up to 4,800 pounds.

Chevy Silverado 

The Silverado is a much heavier pickup truck, but it can also be towed with a dinghy behind your RV. The weight can be from 6,500 pounds up to 13,000. Check the manufacturer guidelines for your towing vehicle to make sure it can handle towing this amount of weight.

Chevy Sonic 

The Sonic is a lightweight sedan that is smaller than the Equinox and can be flat-towed. The Sonic weighs between 2,700 and 3,000 pounds.

Chevy Tahoe

The Tahoe is an SUV that you can tow safely with a dinghy. It weighs between 5,300 and 5,650 pounds.

Conclusion

Flat towing is a convenient option for traveling with your RV. It allows you the freedom to explore new areas with a compact car rather than your large RV. You can do this easily with an Equinox as long as you follow local laws and manufacturer guidelines in the process.