Can a Chevy Equinox be flat towed behind an RV?
The short answer is generally no—most Chevy Equinox models are not approved for flat-towing (four wheels on the ground) behind an RV. The recommended methods are towing with a dolly or towing on a trailer, and you should consult your exact year’s owner’s manual or a Chevrolet dealer for year-specific guidance.
Official stance on flat towing
Chevrolet’s towing guidance for the Equinox across recent generations typically does not authorize flat-towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. Instead, the manual usually directs owners to tow the Equinox using a tow dolly (front wheels elevated) or a trailer (all wheels off the ground) when transporting it behind another vehicle. Because specifications can vary by model year and drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD), it’s essential to verify with the exact owner’s manual or a Chevrolet dealership for your vehicle year.
Why transmission and drivetrain matter
Automotive engineers design the Equinox’s automatic transmissions and, in AWD configurations, the transfer case and related lubrication to operate with the engine running typically under normal driving. When the engine is off and the wheels are turning during flat towing, lubrication and pump systems may not be adequately powered, potentially causing damage. This risk is the primary reason manufacturers discourage four-wheels-down towing for many modern automatics.
Practical towing options for Equinox owners
To help readers plan a safe setup, here are the common methods used when towing a Chevy Equinox behind an RV. Note that flat towing is generally not recommended by Chevrolet for Equinox models.
- Tow dolly (front wheels on the dolly, rear wheels on the road): This arrangement keeps the transmission largely out of the towing loop and is a widely used workaround for many automatics.
- Tow on a trailer (car hauler) with all four wheels on the trailer: This fully removes the drivetrain from the towing scenario and is often the safest option for long trips, though it requires a suitable trailer and proper braking/lighting equipment.
- Flat towing (four wheels on the ground): Not recommended or supported for most Equinox generations. If your manual indicates a rare exception for a specific year, follow those instructions exactly; otherwise avoid this method.
Concluding note: For the vast majority of Equinox owners, using a tow dolly or trailer is the practical, manufacturer-supported approach when traveling with an RV.
Pre-tow checklist and safety considerations
Before you hook up and hit the highway, use this checklist to minimize risk and ensure compliance with regulations and the vehicle’s specifications.
- Identify your exact model year and drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD) to confirm towing rules for that specific configuration.
- Read the owner’s manual section on towing carefully and follow Chevrolet’s instructions for your year.
- Choose the appropriate towing method (dollyk or trailer) and ensure your hitch, suspension, and braking systems are rated for the load.
- Verify lighting, brake lights, and electric connections between the motorhome and the towed setup meet road laws in your jurisdiction.
- Check weight capacities: gross vehicle weight, tongue weight (for dolly), and trailer gross weight, and ensure you do not exceed limits.
- Consider a brake controller and, if using a trailer, a proper breakaway system and insurance coverage.
Concluding guidance: Always base your setup on the exact vehicle year and drivetrain, and consult a Chevrolet dealer or service manual to confirm the recommended towing method before traveling.
Summary
In practice, flat-towing a Chevy Equinox behind an RV is not typically recommended or supported by Chevrolet for most model years. The safer, commonly advised options are towing with a dolly or transporting the Equinox on a trailer, with strict adherence to the vehicle’s owner’s manual and local towing regulations. Because specifications can vary by year and drivetrain, always verify the exact instructions for your Equinox and seek professional guidance if needed.
What Chevrolet models can be flat towed?
Several Chevy vehicles can be flat-towed, including the manual transmission Spark, Sonic, and Cruze, and various 4WD models of the Colorado, Silverado, Blazer, Tahoe, Suburban, and Equinox. It is crucial to check the specific year and configuration of any vehicle, as even models within the same nameplate can have different flat-towing capabilities, especially between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models.
Cars
- Spark: Manual transmission models.
- Sonic: Manual transmission models.
- Cruze: Manual transmission models.
SUVs
- Equinox: Select years and configurations, especially those with all-wheel drive.
- Blazer: Select 4WD models.
- Tahoe: 4WD models with a two-speed transfer case.
- Suburban: 4WD models with a two-speed transfer case.
- Trailblazer: All-wheel drive models are generally flat-towable, but FWD models are not.
Trucks
- Colorado: 4WD models with a neutral position in a two-speed transfer case.
- Silverado: 4WD models with a neutral position in a two-speed transfer case.
Which Chevy Equinox can be flat towed?
Certain years and front-wheel-drive models of the Chevy Equinox can be flat towed, including many from 2010-2017 and some newer ones like the 2019-2021 models. Always consult the owner's manual for the specific year and trim level for accurate instructions on preparing the vehicle for towing.
Key points for flat towing a Chevy Equinox
- Model and drivetrain are key: Not all models can be flat towed. The ability depends on the specific year and whether it's front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
- FWD models: Generally, front-wheel-drive models are better suited for flat towing.
- AWD models: Experts recommend not flat towing AWD models and suggest using a trailer instead.
- Check the manual: For the definitive answer, always consult your owner's manual, which provides detailed steps for "dinghy towing" (the term often used for flat towing).
- Follow preparation steps:
- Put the vehicle in Neutral (N).
- Turn the ignition to the Accessory (ACC) or Accessory/On position without starting the engine, and turn off all accessories.
- Ensure you have the correct towing equipment, such as a tow bar and a supplemental braking system.
- Some newer models may require the battery to be disconnected to prevent draining.
- Recent model year status: Some newer Equinox models can be flat towed, but it's crucial to confirm with the owner's manual. While some sources say 2024 models can be, others report that the 2025 model cannot be.
- Perform safety checks: Always allow for increased stopping distance and regularly inspect your towing setup before and during a trip.
Can the 2025 Equinox be flat towed behind RV?
Unfortunately you cannot flat tow the 2025 Chevy Equinox, as stated on page 288 of the owner's manual. This policy extends even into emergency situations, as Chevy strongly advises against towing the Equinox with all 4 wheels on the ground for any reason.
How to put a 2019 Chevy Equinox in accessory mode?
Keep your foot off the brake. And hold the accessory button down for 10 seconds. And then your accessories will come on just like that legend of Westgate Chevrolet make your deal today.
