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BEisler's avatar
BEisler
Explorer
Dec 28, 2016

Equinox AWD Toad 2017

We are ready to pull the trigger on a 2017 Chevy Equinox AWDand am reading conflicting reports as to whether Equinox AWD vehicles can or cannot be flat towed. Motorhome magazine just says "Equinox" can be towed, but does not specify AWD or FWD. I have read some posts in other sites from people with older (2010 - 2012) AWD Equinox's who say they are fine. Then I read other blogs where they state that regardless of the year, it is "not recommended" to flat tow an AWD Equinox.

PLEASE HELP!!!!!!

Thank you
  • I think it is fine, I think the subject is covered in the Owners manual. If not call GM customer relations.
    I currently tow a 2010 awd.
  • Check page 264 of the 2017 Equinox Owners Manual where it outlines what you need to do to tow an Equinox behind a motorhome. The manual is available online for download.

    As you can see I tow a 2016 Equinox LTZ AWD V6. It is identical to the 2017 model.
  • Whew!! I scanned the manual online and didn't see the dinghy towing subject anywhere. So glad for the input.

    Thanks a million!
  • From Section 10-68 of my Equinox owners manual: (sorry for the lousy formatting, it is what it is.)

    Towing the Vehicle
    {Caution
    Incorrectly towing a disabled
    vehicle may cause damage. The
    damage would not be covered by
    the vehicle warranty.
    Have the vehicle towed on a flatbed
    car carrier. A wheel lift tow truck
    could damage the vehicle.
    Consult your dealer or a
    professional towing service if the
    disabled vehicle must be towed.
    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 and
    all-wheel-drive 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. For other towing options,
    see “Dolly Towing” following 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.

    Section 10-69

    To tow the vehicle from the front
    with all four wheels on the ground:
    1. Position the vehicle to be towed
    and secure it to the towing
    vehicle.
    2. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN.
    3. Shift the transmission to
    N (Neutral).
    4. Turn the ignition key to ACC/
    ACCESSORY.
    5. Turn all accessories off.
    6. To prevent the battery from
    draining while the vehicle is
    being towed, remove fuse 32,
    the Discrete Logic Ignition
    Switch fuse, from the instrument
    panel fuse block and store it in a
    safe location. See Instrument
    Panel Fuse Block on
    page 10-34.
    {Caution
    If the vehicle is towed without
    performing each of the steps
    listed under “Dinghy Towing,” the
    automatic transmission 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 ignition key to
    LOCK/OFF.
    4. Install fuse 32, the Discrete
    Logic Ignition Switch fuse. See
    Instrument Panel Fuse Block on
    page 10-34.
    5. Start the engine and let it idle for
    more than three minutes before
    driving the vehicle.

    Section 10-70:

    {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.
  • Also it may be wise to call or email the MFG to confirm unless you are 100% positive it can or can't.