FLAT TOWING

[Rpdjbj]

Hi there - I have a question.  

Can anyone answer the question whether you can flat tow a 2018 Chevy Equinox AWD?

PLEASE HELP!!!!

[elkhartjim]

What does the owners manual say about recreational vehicle towing?

[wayne77590]

Here's the manual

[rayin]

I will third the recommendation to read the owners manual! Ignore what anyone tells you, I have seen within the past 6 months were the two leading publications for flat-towing were incorrect, only the vehicle mfgr. actually knows for sure. No-one should care more about your money than you.

BTW, in owners manual it's usually called recreational towing.

Edited April 16, 2021 by rayin

[wayne77590]

...and, check the manual that comes with the car.  Go to a lot, look in the glove box and find "recreational towing."  If the manual is not in the glove box ask the salesman to see it.

[moonwink]

Copied from the 2018 Equinox Owner's manual
pages 358-359-360-361:

Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle – such as behind a motor home. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are known as dinghy towing and dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a dolly.

Here are some important things to consider before recreational vehicle towing:
. The towing capacity of the towing vehicle. Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
. How far the vehicle will be towed. Some vehicles have restrictions on how far and how long they can tow.
. The proper towing equipment.  See your dealer or trailering professional for additional advice and equipment recommendations.
. If the vehicle is ready to be towed. Just as preparing the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is prepared to be towed.

Dinghy Towing
Front-wheel-drive (1.5 L Gas FWD/1.6 L Diesel) and all-wheel-drive (1.6 L Diesel only) vehicles may be dinghy towed from the front. These vehicles can also be towed by placing them on a platform trailer with all four wheels off of the ground. All other engine/transmission combinations must be towed by platform trailer. Also see the information on dolly towing later in this section.  For vehicles being dinghy towed, the vehicle should be run at the beginning of each day and at each
RV fuel stop for about five minutes.  This will ensure proper lubrication of transmission components.

Caution:

 

If the vehicle is towed without performing each of the steps listed under “Dinghy Towing,” the automatic transmission and AWD system could be damaged. Be sure to follow all steps of the dinghy towing procedure prior to and after towing the vehicle.

Caution:

If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded while towing the vehicle, it could be damaged. Never exceed 105 km/h (65 mph) while towing the vehicle.

Once the destination is reached:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
3. Turn the vehicle off.
4. Start the engine and let it idle for more than three minutes before driving the vehicle.

Caution
Do not tow a vehicle with the front drive wheels on the ground if one of the front tires is a compact spare tire. Towing with two different tire sizes on the front of the vehicle can cause severe damage to the transmission.

Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front of the vehicle grille could restrict airflow and cause damage to the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If using a shield, only use one that attaches to thetowing vehicle.

Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
All-wheel-drive vehicles cannot be towed with two wheels on the ground. To properly tow these vehicles, they should be placed on a platform trailer with all four wheels off of the ground.

Dolly Towing (Front-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
To tow the vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Move the shift lever to P (Park).
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
5. Follow the dolly manufacturer's instructions for preparing the vehicle and dolly for towing.
6. Release the parking brake.

Towing the Vehicle from the Rear
Don't tow from the rear!

Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear could damage it. Also, repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Never have the vehicle towed from the rear.