Flat Towing Our NEW SUV // RV Lifestyle
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 27 авг 2021
- Can You Flat Tow A Chevy Equinox AWD? // RV Lifestyle
ℹ️ About this episode:
This weeks video is all about OUR NEW TOAD SETUP. We had to say goodbye to our beloved 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, but we gained a much lighter 2020 Chevy Equinox LT AWD. It's SO MUCH LIGHTER then the Jeep! About 1500 pounds lighter to be exact! Be sure to check out FMCAs 2020 Dinghy Towing Guide for more info.
Click "SHOW MORE" for links to our favorite RV resources, gadgets and gear!
Do you like the music we play in our videos? Then check out Epidemic Sound for yourself: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Join Our Mailing List HERE 👉🏻 www.lyfuninterrupted.com
Join the LU CREW HERE 👉🏻 ruclips.net/user/lyfuninterr...
================
Helpful RV Related Links:
❇️ Check out our NEW AMAZON STOREFRONT ❇️*
www.amazon.com/shop/lyfuninte...
❇️ The Dyrt - The #1 FREE Camping APP (Save 10% off of the PRO by using our special link) ❇️* Sign Up Today at thedyrt.com/promo/LYF
❇️ RV Trip Wizard - RV Trip Planning Made Easy ❇️*
Sign Up Today! www.rvtripwizard.com/#5efa3cf...
❇️ Harvest Hosts (Get 15% off your membership with this link) ❇️*
Interested in becoming a Host? The link below is for you as well!
harvesthosts.refr.cc/lyfuninte...
❇️ Passport America (Get 50% discount off nightly rates) ❇️*
Sign Up Now Online or Call 1-800-283-7183
Plus, make sure to mention [ID# R-0314922]
❇️ Thousand Trails ❇️*
We'd love to have you use our name as a referral! [ID# 290844874]. Simply go to www.thousandtrails.com. Thank you so much!
❇️ Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) ❇️*
For $10 OFF your membership, please use our affiliate link: join.fmca.com/lyf19/
❇️ FMCA Roadside Rescue® ❇️
www.fmca.com/fmca-rv-roadside...
❇️Wholesale Warranties ❇️ *
CLICK HERE FOR A FREE no obligation quote!
wholesalewarranties.com/blog/...
================
Let’s Get Social!
/ lyfuninterrupted
/ lyf_uninterrupted
/ lyf_uninterrupted
www.lyfuninterrupted.com
#lyfuninterrupted #fulltimervliving #rvliving #rvlifestyle
================
All Rights Reserved - LYF Uninterrupted Media, LLC
We create videos for entertainment purposes only. Although we share our tips and tricks that work for us, we are not travel or RV experts, therefore it's important to do your own research to find what works best for you.
================
Disclosures
*We are a Wholesale Warranties affiliate and may receive a small commission for leads and warranty contract sales.
* We are a participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate/partnership programs. These affiliate advertising programs are designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites.
![THE WORST RV CAMPING ETIQUETTE EVER [RV BOONDOCKING]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/AXO2d_c1fMU/mqdefault.jpg)
![THE WORST RV CAMPING ETIQUETTE EVER [RV BOONDOCKING]](/img/tr.png)
We had a 2010 AWD Equinox and put 119,00 miles on it, 30000 miles was towing and it did great. Just purchased a 2021 AWD, 1.5 l turbo, but have not towed it yet. Just getting ready. Great video. Happy travling.
Thanks Mike. We did our first long tow today and the Equinox tows like a dream. The coach rarely shifts out of overdrive now.
Glad to see that you are doing well
Thanks William!
Glad you're back. Congrats on new car. Very nice!
Thank you!
So good to see y’all!
Thanks Jackie!
Glad to see you both again! I have missed you but I can understand needing a break. Enjoy your travels!
Thanks Janet!
We have been using the Ready Brute for 3 years and have been happy with it. 🙂
Glad to hear that!
Good to see you two are doing good. Looking forward to the next episode. Thanks Don
Thanks Don!
OMG we have a 2020 Equinox and really enjoy it,we tow it behind our Entegra Emblem 2020.You will enjoy the ease of the equinox and the ride.Bestof luck
Thanks Art!
Welcome back greetings from England
Thank you John!
Missed you guys
Thank you Karen!
My son has the Eqonox and he loves it. I tow the chevy colorado, about 4,400 lbs. Had it weighed. Love it. Anything chevy is good. Glad all is well. We all need a brake sometimes.
Thanks Larry!
Great to see you two back.
Thank you!
Glad you guys are back and doing well!! I could stand about 15 thousand videos of those pups!! LOL Safe travels!
Thank you!
Glad y’all are back!
Thank you Nancy !
Hey welcome back guys, I always enjoy your posts! A quick update on the Houseboat (after 26 years owning a HB on Lake McClure, CA old habits are hard to break so we stopped trying). We recently bought a 2013 Jeep Wrangler, 2-door, soft top, stick with 6,000 miles on it...nice find! I installed a Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain tow bar and a Demco Stay-In-Play Duo Breaking system...they work great together. We looked at all sorts of toads, including the Equinox, but then found the jeep...destiny! Safe travels and stay cool!!
Thanks Ken!
Oh my gosh, we have been mulling over getting a Chevy Equinox to flat tow behind our diesel-pusher for quite awhile and your video was perfect. Thanks for sharing all the information and procedures on the different systems you installed! Safe travels!
Thanks Kathy! Loving the lighter load!
Scott Kilmer a mechanic says to NEVER BUY an equinox and all equivalent models within the GM line.
LOL. The video your referring to is of Scotty Kilmer, who is a RUclips “mechanic”, simply giving his opinion on someone buying a 2008 Equinox with 100,000 miles on it. That video was put out over 2 years ago! Opinions are a dime a dozen.
@@LyfUninterrupted and now Scotty is not happy with Toyota~ We could give a few opinions about our 2013 mini coopers also. Absolutely....you know what they say about opinions : ) Great to see you guys & get an update. Stay safe~ Wanda (& Vinnie ) Charleston SC (hello Lucy & Rickie)
👍🤜🤛
So happy to see you back!! Missed you! Understand wanting to slow down on posting. I can only imagine how much work it is to put out a 30 minute video every week. After all you started traveling to enjoy the adventure!
Thank you!
Good to see you guys. You look great! Enjoy Maine.
Thank you!☺️
So glad you're back, I'm sure you two needed a break ! I don't know how you do videos ,traveling and holding jobs , I would go insane 🤪 Safe Travels guys 💙
Thanks Tanya!
Awesome new ride love the color!
👍 It has a purplish green hue in the sun!
We have the Ready Brute Elite as well and love it! I too installed my base plate and electrical and it actually worked 😬. I generally work while my wife drives and works out great for us. Thanks for sharing.!!
👍 I find There’s a certain satisfaction installing things. This way I get an intimate view and knowledge of how it all goes together. Moreover, I know it’s done correctly. As long as I follow the instructions that is.😬
@@LyfUninterrupted Exactly! I’m at a computer all day and to successfully do that was quite full filling. Our home in south Louisiana flooded in Ida so I’ll be learning some carpentry soon 😳!
Oh no. So sorry to hear about your home. We will be traveling through LA in mid-December and plan on staying at St. Bernard State Park if it’s open. We were there in November 2019 and they had just reopened after repairing the park after a Hurricane.
@@LyfUninterrupted Thank you! Everyone is working hard to get businesses back up, especially NOLA/French Quarter area. Another great state park is Fountainbleau State Park. There is a small beach beautiful grounds and it’s on the Tammany Trace.
Great to hear you are doing well. Nice ride. I'm partial to Jeeps but they can be heavy.
Safe travels
Thanks!
Wow good stuff! 🖖🏻👍🏻😘🙏🏻
👍
We tow a 4WD 2010 Honda CRV. Easy peasy except for hooking up the Brake Buddy. Husband has good knee pads 😃 .
We almost went with the Brake Buddy. Those things are too darn expensive though.
Congratulations on the new ride. When I bought our 2016 Wrangler, I couldn't find one with a manual transmission so I had to order new from the factory. It is so easy to setup for flat towing but it does weigh more than I'd like.
Thanks guys! So far so good and it's noticeable lighter when braking too!
Happy to see you back. Figured you were taking some time out and glad to see that it's not permanent time out :)
Thanks Heather!
Good to see you back and thank you for a new video on the ready brute tow system. We are trying to decide on what tow system we want for our toad and are wondering how the surge break does when coming down the mountain roads. Does the weight of the toad moving forward cause problems or make it feel like the toad is an anchor pulling on the coach? Thank you in advance and safe travels.
Hi Tony. The surge brake system really works well. Only down the steepest of inclines will it kick in, but not down typical grades.
Hope this helps.
Welcome back! Glad to hear you are doing well and even more glad to know you will be posting again! I was wondering what happened to you!
Thanks Alan!
You are close to me. I live in Barrington NH. Enjoy your stay in New England.
Thanks Deb!
Nice, We Love Our Mini Cooper Convertible.. I can Hook it up in about 3 min. Looks like you guys are doing well in Maine, My Birthplace...Hope you have some great Lobsta lol Dip the Lobsta in Red Wine Vinegar and Butter.. YUM :)
Hey congrats on the new car. Gotta love that humidity over there LOL
Thanks guys! Yeah, the humidity is a killer.
We bought a 2019 Chevy Blazer that we flat tow. Love it! Just hook up and go.
👍👍
Glad you're doing well. Everyone needs a breaking in a while.
Thanks Michelle!
Brian I like the color of your new to you towed . Blue is my favorite color hence one of thereasons I joined the Air Force in August 1971 - May 1975 . WOW the Equinox is a lot smaller then they use to be . WOW ! YIKES ! $40 , 000.00 for a jeep .Do you think you'll buy a different coach or type of RV in the future ?
Thanks
You’re welcome!
Hi Brian, I am glad to see you both are alright. I am procrastinating by watching your video instead of editing my next video. LOL Okay back to work for me. Don
Hey Don! Get to work!🤣🤣🤣
@@LyfUninterrupted lol
Howdy! Stay safe!
Howdy Lorrie!
I did a RUclips channel for almost a year. After awhile it is really hard to pick up a camera, create content and reply to comments. Life gets in the way and sometimes you need a break. I appreciate you filming and putting in that effort.
Thank you!
We pull the Buick Envision which is basically the same as the Equinox and all we do is shift into neutral turn off the engine and go although ours is a 2017. We also installed the Roadmaster base plate but we didn’t get any of the caps that go into hole once you pull out the (what ever you call those things) memory loss!
Hi Abby. The caps do make it look prettier😬
I didn't realize all the minor details of towing a vehicle behind a RV. It's good that you guys pay attention to all those details and take care of safety issues. Kind of boring stuff but, very necessary stuff when RV living.
Thanks for tuning in. Boring stuff for some, but interesting to others.
Great to see you back! Are you going back to Padre this winter? We are thinking of returning for a week or two. We don't RV, but would like to know more great things to do for day trips. We have been several times. Not sure where to stay and when.
We are! Planning to spend Thanksgiving there!
My redi brute from NSA came with turn buckles,allowing for fine tuning without taking the clamps apart 👍🏾👌🏾.Of course I bought a couple of spares. Starting the vehicle and double checking the systems while refueling doesn't seem like it would be a big deal since you probably do a thorough walk around anyway 😀. Lucy I got some research to do!!🤣🤣.Safe travels 🙏🏿 people.
Interesting idea on the turnbuckles. Perhaps we will look into those too.
Haven't seen the video yet but I know your towing method so you got my attention 😉
👍😉
I am so glad things are going good but I have miss you both
Thank you Harriet!
You have to go to Petey’s in Rye for seafood. It’s the best.
Thanks Deb!
Glad to hear from you. I live in Thomaston Maine. Stop by and I will get you some lobster.
Hi Sumner. Thank you for the invitation! We’re about 2.5 hours from you and heading South.
My 05 pilot goes through just about the same process to hook it up. But I just put the car in reverse and let it come back real slow to lock it in. I’m now in west Yellowstone Montana enjoying some very nice weather low 70s for highs high 30s for Lowe’s.
Nice! The temps here on the East Coast are climbing.
Best ice cream ever at the farm locations
Yes indeed!
I am buying one tomorrow same color
Will you be towing it behind a Class A?
@@LyfUninterrupted yes a 2003 Georgie Boy Landau
👍
I want this type of set-up for my 2013 Eq. Right now I have a starter blue ox, but would like the wiring and brake.
Ironically, my 2013 has the good has struts.
Hi Jim! The Ready Brake brake cable and break-away systems are simple and strait forward. No additional equipment to move in and out of the vehicle or fail. I think Chevy went cheap when deciding to eliminate the hood struts.
Hi guys!! Craig and I are looking at buying a 2022 equinox. Looks like you installed it by yourself with no problems. Wonder if Craig can do it too?
It’s not difficult, just time consuming due to the amount of part removable and reinstallation required.
We tow a 2017 Equinox with the same tow bar system. When I was researching Chevrolet teck support told me that the 2018 and 2019 cannot be flat towed. So if anyone has those year model be aware. On ours we have to pull fuse #16 which I installed on a switch on the dash to make it easier.( GM service bulletin 17-NA-348) Don't know if this applies to the 2020 models. We have towed our over 3k miles without issues.
Excellent! The 2020 does not require a fuse pull. So far so good after our first long tow.
Hey Brian! I really appreciate this video! I was wondering 2 years later how your experience was with towing the 2020 Chevy Equinox? I was trying to decide if buying this car used to flat tow is a good option and would appreciate your opinion. Thank you!
Hi Val! The Equinox is an excellent choice for flat towing. Putting it in and out of tow mode is simple and straightforward. It’s light enough so as to not tax the coach too much. In fact, I could barely notice it when rolling down the road. We even towed it through the mountains of Colorado with no issue.
Hope this helps. Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for that info! It's so helpful!
Nice video. Thank you. We are looking at switching from a VW stick shift tow vehicle to a 2019 - 2021 chevy Equinox so we can have an automatic transmission available. Since it has been a while since you started using the Equinox, any suggestions, complaints or things to look out for on these vehicles?
Yes! Make sure to install a battery charging line from the RV to the vehicle. Otherwise you take the risk of depleting the battery when towing.
This said, the Equinox has been a great TOAD.
Thanks for watching!
@@LyfUninterrupted Thanks for the update. I was aware of the battery charging line via our VW we toad. I will intensify my search for a deal on a mildly used one. Thanks again.
We flat tow our Jeep Wrangler behind our rig with the ready brake system. After towing it between landing spots, when I first drive it , it seems like the steering is really loose. Have you experienced this with your previous toad or your new one?
We haven’t noticed any issues like that.
The Jeep dealer new me hasn't had any Wranglers in many months now. All they usually have is a few Jeep Liberty models 😖
That’s been our experience too. So many dealership lots are practically empty.
Looks like the things are going well. Have a question. How is the engine still running? Everything still ok? Also after you got the engine rebuilt, was there any special maintenance you adopted? Glad your business is doing so well too. I RV with a little Wolf Pup pulled by a 1995 Dodge Dakota that has a big 318 V8 in it so plenty of power to go anywhere, almost. For the time being I’m at my base camp in the mountains of WV. Best to you both!
Hi Dave. The engine is still running well. I have been changing the oil every 3000-4000 miles max. I also use Lucas fuel treatment every couple of months to help with the different qualities of gas we experience throughout the US.
@@LyfUninterrupted Glad to hear that. Hope it continues we no problems!
👍
I could not be sure, but it looked like your break-away cable (red one) was connected to the receiver. I have that same setup, and I connect that cable to another place on the frame of the motorhome other than the receiver. If the receiver should fail (I have seen them fall off), there is nothing to pull the brakes.
👍 It’s looped up and around the frame member that the hitch is bolted too.
Do you know if the Equinox will record the miles on its odometer while it is being towed?
No, it doesn’t record the mileage when being towed.
Is the Arizona heat that much different the New England
Hi Norm! It is quite a bit different since the humid air is "thicker".
Looking at the same vehicle, are the FWD versions towable, and can you get a bike in the hatch? Thanks!
Hi Ray J! Our understanding is only the AWD versions are flat-towable. The FWD versions should be dolly towable, but be sure to verify with Chevrolet before doing so. We are able to get both bikes in with the rear seat folded down. We put them in 40 gallon totes and slide them in. Easy peasy!
@@LyfUninterrupted Thanks much appreciated..safe travels.
👍
We have friends that flat tow a Chevy Equinox behind their Winnebago m/h.
👍
FWIW: We used to tow a 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara but we got hit by a hail storm near Calgary Alberta and the insurance company decided to write it off so we bought a low mileage 2014 Honda CRV AWD to replace it, I did the Blue Ox baseplate install on both along with all the wiring of the tail lights (also did my GMC pickup 4X4 as well) Just curious do you have to pull a fuse for the brake lights on the car so the signal lights will work when braking while towing? I installed a dual pole single throw switch on the Honda to kill both the brake lights and the radio with one switch (I use the Blue Ox Patriot braking system because I want to be able to easily transfer it between vehicles)
Hi there! There is no requirement in the operators manual to pull a fuse. Apparently it was required in earlier model years of the Equinox.
@@LyfUninterrupted On the Honda (and the Suzuki) when the brake system (I use) applies to the brakes on the car it actuates the brake lights on the car which cancels out the signal light if you have them on from the motorhome. Oh!! by the way my lights are wired to the existing cars taillights through diodes. I of course don't know how yours are wired. FYI The radio fuse removal is a suggestion in the Hondas owners manual to reduce battery drain.
The wiring is similar you yours, but I installed a plug n play harness with a diode pack. It works well.
Hi from downunder. How do you pay for there power and water at the church car park? Is the new car a diesel?
Hello! Thanks for tuning in from downunder! We have several viewers from Australia. Most Boondockers Welcome hosts have a location on their property to leave donations. Some don’t request any donations at all. The new car is gas, but there is a diesel version too.
@@LyfUninterrupted love watching your posts. Very interesting. My wife and I are similar ages as yourself and looking to hit the road next year. We sold our caravan and currently waiting for our new caravan to get built. You can watch some of our old posts check out Australia. Ha!
Thanks! We will do that. We’ve always wanted to visit the outback. Perhaps once the COVID situation settles down.
@@LyfUninterrupted many Australians do a lap around the whole country. You can find hundreds of families and couples on RUclips doing it. Some young some older. The international border might open early next year? Fortunately the state I live in is Covid free but for how long who knows.
Maybe a stupid question, but do you leave the key in the vehicle or take it out?
Hi Laura. We do not leave the key in the vehicle.
I was just curious if by chance you know what’s different with the 2018 Equinox. We have the 2018 with the 1.5 and AWD and everything I’ve looked up says not to flat tow it. As far as I can tell we have the same car just a different color and year. I just don’t understand what’s different. Thank you if you can help me understand and thank you if you can’t!
If it’s the same vehicle, just a different year, then it should be flat towable. Check your owners manual for that information. Also, you can go to etrailer.com to see all the required and recommended equipment needed to flat tow. Hope this helps.
@@LyfUninterrupted Thank You. It’s definitely the same vehicle but my manual says not to flat tow. I wasn’t sure if it was just updated literature or if they had made a small change in the vehicle 2018 and 2019 say not to in the manual and etrailer doesn’t list it for my year with the 1.5 awd. I just can’t find if anything was actually changed in the vehicle or if they just updated their recommendations. Thank you for responding! If I find a definitive answer I’ll post my findings!
Is this a premier? How long can you travel while towing? I have a 2020 premier.
Hi Debbi!
We have the LT model, which is one model below the Premier. The owners manual for our vehicle does not specify a mileage limitation while towing, only a MAX speed limit of 65 MPH. The owners manual also says to run the engine for 5 minutes prior to and after towing to circulate the fluid in the transmission. It also says to run the engine at each fuel stop while towing.
Be sure to check the owners manual for the model vehicle you have.
Hope this helps.
@@LyfUninterrupted Thanks, ours say this to, but I feel because it's a premier we can't go as far. We talked with chevy and found out we can't turn off a lot of stuff so it's draining the battery quick. Can't pull fuses they said. I love the car so we'll deal with it. Thanks for sharing the info, it was helpful.
Hi Debbi. Your 2020 Equinox needs to have a 12 volt charge line installed to keep the battery from discharging. Your RV will need to have the same line installed, if it doesn’t already have it, to feed power to the car. Here is a link to how that is installed on the car: www.etrailer.com/tv-install-roadmaster-battery-charge-line-kit-2020-chevrolet-equinox-rm-156-25.aspx
@@LyfUninterrupted we do have the line, I think because of all the stuff that can not be turned off it needs to be a heavier line. Hubby doesn't agree, so I'll just keep following him and enjoy listening to my music. It will work out fine. Thanks for helping me out. Safe travels and happy adventures. 😊
It’s so good to see you both. Glad you are alright. You need a break every now and then. Happy you have a new vehicle. My sister has the same car but different year. And hers is a grey blue. It’s a 2019. She loves it. We needed to get a vehicle that would fit my moms wheel chair before she passed away and this was the vehicle. My vehicle it was too hard to get in and out of. Brian great job with doing the hitching of the car to Rv.👍 Glad you are on the road again and glad Shawnas work is picking up business. Hope you have a great day and see weekend and see both soon. Safe travels.
Thank you Sherri! We are enjoying Maine. Much cooler temps now, but things are suppose to heat up a few degrees in the coming days. Not looking forward to the weather as a result of Hurricane Ida making its way to the New England area.
@@LyfUninterrupted This is a pretty bad storm this Ida. My sister in Tennessee she’s getting the rain from it. Hope you both will alright when it hits New England states. Hope you have safe travels and have a great day.
Thank you Sherri!
Baseplate,self install or shop?
Self install. The toughest part was pulling the front of the car off.
@@LyfUninterrupted OH you're bad man!!✊🏽✊🏽👍🏾wow. Watching trick trucks install the baseplate on my cherokee trailhawk convinced me to spend the money and save my back.Good job! Safe travels 🙏🏿 💕
Yeah…my body is still mad at me🤣
We ordered a 2022 AWD Equinox Premier. The manual says dinghy towing is approved but my husband called Chevrolet and someone he talked to said no. Still waiting to get the vehicle but is anyone flat towing the 22 AWD that can help confirm we are ok?
It is always best to refer to the manual for restrictions on flat towing. This said, all Equinox models 2020 and newer with All wheel and front wheel drive options should be flat towable. You must install a charge line for the vehicle battery as the vehicle must stay in ACC mode while underway. Again, consult the manual for your model year to confirm flat towing requirements and restrictions.
Also, the base plate installation is not for the faint of heart. The entire front end facia, including headlights and some components in the engine bay has to come off.
Email us at lyfuninterrupted@gmail.com if you would like to discuss specifics about the Equinox.
We picked up the car today! Checked the manual before signing the papers and we are good to flat tow!
Good to hear. You’ll love towing the Equinox. Most of the the time we can’t tell it’s behind our coach.
What did you expect with a Chevy? Bought one and it spent 62 days in the shop in 7 months. Lemon lawed that suckered and went back to old faithful Fords.
LOL. Did you actually watch our video?🤷