jbarringer Report post Posted March 10, 2023 Hi everyone. I'm looking at purchasing a 2016 Chevy Sonic LT Sedan FWD to flat tow. Is this a good vehicle? I haven't purchased it yet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildebill308 Report post Posted March 11, 2023 I have never towed one but this is what it says in a owners manual I found on line. I would read what it says in the one in the car. It also had warnings about blocking the air flow causing overheating of the transmission when being towed. This is from page 290. Vehicle Care, Recreational Vehicle Towing Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle, such as 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: . What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle? Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. . What is the distance that will be traveled? Some vehicles have restrictions on how far and how long they can tow. . Is the proper towing equipment going to be used? See your dealer or trailering professional for additional advice and equipment recommendations. . Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparing the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is prepared to be towed. 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 the towing vehicle. Dinghy Towing RS Model with Automatic Transmission Caution If the vehicle is towed with all four wheels on the ground, the drivetrain components could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. Good luck Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jbarringer Report post Posted March 11, 2023 Thank you Bill. I don’t think it’s the RS model Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
five Report post Posted March 11, 2023 Read the exact manual for that specific vehicle. There are now very few vehicles with FWD (Front WD) that can be towed four down. Notice that Bill and I both have 2014 Honda CRVs. That's the last year the CRV can be towed four down, all previous year models can be towed four down. They put the new transmission in the '15 and newer models. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jbarringer Report post Posted March 11, 2023 Thank you five. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moonwink Report post Posted March 12, 2023 I recently sold my 2009 Chevy HHR. It towed beautifully. Following the instructions in the owner's manual, I pulled fuse #8, put it in neutral and kept the steering wheel unlocked. The manual said I could tow it any distance as long as I stayed below 65 mph. Never had any problems with it. That being said, they change transmissions all the time so you have to make sure the owner's manual says it's okay to tow 4 down. Check the January issue of FMCA magazine to see what it says also. Motorhome Magazine also published Towing Guides towing four wheels down - FMCA Below is the section for the 2016 line of Chevys. It says your Sonic can be towed 4 down after removing the fuse for the "Discrete Logic Ignition Switch" the instrument panel fuse block to prevent a battery drain. Also, the vehicle should be run at the beginning of each day and for 5 minutes at each RV fuel stop during the day. Don't take these instructions as gospel though - the owner's manual is the final word on what needs to be done to tow your car. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites