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Old 11-09-2012, 04:39 PM   #1
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Smart/Equinox

Been haulin' the Harleys around for years and heading to FL in a few days for 4 months.

DW and I have been discussing this may be the last year for haulin' the Harleys. We see a lot of Smarts out there and wondering how people like them as towds.

I'm sure one will fit in my trailer, but curious about towing. I do understand you have to take the frontend off to install the hardward. I''ve heard in Europe they use a cheaper/easier setup, but it's illegal here?

An other option is DW has a 2011 Equinox. No nothing about that for a towd. Thoughts?
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Old 11-09-2012, 05:20 PM   #2
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if it was me I would set the equinox to tow. they have very good instructions to install the base plate. removing the front-end is not a big deal, just follow the instuctions.
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Old 11-09-2012, 05:49 PM   #3
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So I take it the Equinox can be towed 4 down?
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Old 11-09-2012, 07:10 PM   #4
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Yeap, Any recent model Equinox, whether 2WD or AWD, towable without mods. Say 2010 and later. I think the 08 & 09 were ok too, but don't have data to back that up. A few of the earlier ones were not - depended on which engine/tranny combo they had.
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Old 11-10-2012, 07:28 AM   #5
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We tow an Equinox, it's a dream. Shift to neutral, dummy key in ACC, and pull an easily accessable fuse, and go. Instructions included in your owners manual.
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Old 11-10-2012, 02:23 PM   #6
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Just read the manual, yep a piece of cake! I guess it wouldn't make financial sence to buy a Smart when the Equinox can do the job that easy.
What's an approx cost for all the parts/hardware needed? (I do all my own work). Or suggestions on brands, thanks!
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Old 11-10-2012, 09:02 PM   #7
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I pull a 2012 Equinox I like the ride and the room it has, as someone already said "it's a dream to pull." As long as you follow the instructions in the owners manual you'll be fine. I use a Roadmaster towing setup with a Brake Buddy.
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Old 11-11-2012, 05:52 AM   #8
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I had the dealer I bought the mh from install a complete Roadmaster system, including the "Invisibrake" system. I wanted a brake system that I didn't have to mess with. Cost was just under $3k. Do it yourself would run somewhere about $2100 or so.
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Old 11-11-2012, 06:08 AM   #9
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Sounds good geezer, thanks.
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Old 11-13-2012, 03:57 PM   #10
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We tow a 2012 Equinox, tows great. Go to etrailer.com they have a video on how to install a Roadmaster base plate. I installed mine in about 2 hours with no problems. We love our Equinox.
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Old 11-13-2012, 04:13 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Darwin
We tow a 2012 Equinox, tows great. Go to etrailer.com they have a video on how to install a Roadmaster base plate. I installed mine in about 2 hours with no problems. We love our Equinox.
Thanks Darwin, I'll check that out. We both like the Equinox but it is leased with 2 1/2 years left. But DW only has 8k on it so we might just buy it.

One more question, I understand some of the towing laws state to state, but I have been towing a 4000lb trailer for years without problems or incident with no brakes. Just wondering, how many tow cars without additional brakes.
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Old 11-13-2012, 04:18 PM   #12
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Tow our 2011 Equinox everywhere. No problems. Towing directions are in the manual. Installed a switch instead of pulling the fuse each time.
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Old 11-13-2012, 04:28 PM   #13
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Thanks George. The responce to tow the Equinox has been great and positive, no doubt we'll go that route.
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Old 11-13-2012, 05:42 PM   #14
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We have been towing for years without supplemental brakes. I plan to take the advise of others on this site and install ready brake soon. It looks simple to install and easy to hook up and disconnect.
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