Community Forums

DieselDisco · 09-23-2020, 07:46 PM

It looks like they have a procedure worked out to flat tow the 2019-2020 equinox which are the terrains twin. Roadmaster even has baseplates for the 2018-2020 equinox (RM-523193-5). Has anyone installed this baseplate on a 2018+terrain or flat towed a newer terrain?

NXR · 09-23-2020, 08:17 PM

Be very careful. I think the 2018 and later Terrain models had different transmission innards than the Equinox that did not lubricate properly when flat towed. It had something to do with how the transmission is controlled but I cannot find the article right now. The 2018 Terrain manual specifically warns against flat towing.

Ray

NXR · 09-23-2020, 08:49 PM

I think the difference is the Electronic Precision Shift control system, which is not used with the Equinox. Do you have that?

Ray

BillJinOR · 09-23-2020, 08:53 PM

Terrains 9 speed push button transmission is not towable like the equinox’s holdover 6 speed. At least that’s the reason I was given. I have a 20 terrain but don’t tow it. Manual does forbid towing... dolly tow ok with procedure and battery disconnect. I do know the e brake engages when put in park.

DieselDisco · 09-24-2020, 05:18 AM

I have the 4wd 6 speed diesel. The 2019 and newer equinox also have the 9 speed auto which they say is towable.

DieselDisco · 09-24-2020, 06:40 AM

I think nxr is right. The 2020 equinox still have the gear knob not the push buttons. The terrain will probably freak out and apply emergancy brake or something if towed. I can't dolly tow a 4wd.

NXR · 09-24-2020, 10:14 AM

Quote:

I have the 4wd 6 speed diesel. The 2019 and newer equinox also have the 9 speed auto which they say is towable.

Yup, towing a 2020 Equinox 2.0L AWD with the 9-speed right this second. Fortunately my wife is driving. [emoji4]

Ray

DieselDisco · 09-24-2020, 08:41 PM

I wonder if the vehicle will stay in neutral if I remove the battery. The issue isnt the transmission or lubrication obviously.

NXR · 09-25-2020, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselDisco

I wonder if the vehicle will stay in neutral if I remove the battery. The issue isnt the transmission or lubrication obviously.

I don't know that I would go with "obviously". The article I saw said that the Terrain system took "full" advantage of the electronic controls in the transmission. That implied something to me but I have no way to know what it really means.

I do know the 2018 - 2020 Equinox model years had a redesigned electrical system so that no fuses need pulled but a battery charge line is needed. My Equinox pulls 7.8 amps out of the battery when in tow mode so it's doing something. That apparently is at least double the current of other cars.

I do know that the 2010- 2017 Equinox originally said to pull fuse 32 but that caused some cars to have the "death wobble" due to some issue with the return-to-center feature of the steering. GM changed the procedure for those model years to leave that fuse in place and pull a different one, the one that disables the anti-lock brakes.

GM seems to like building their cars as flat tow-ready. If the Terrain could do it safely I think they would have found a way.

You may be able to get your dealer to put an inquiry into the GM Learning Center. Chevrolet has one so I presume that GM does as well.

FWIW,

Ray

BillJinOR · 09-25-2020, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselDisco

I wonder if the vehicle will stay in neutral if I remove the battery. The issue isnt the transmission or lubrication obviously.

Well , it’s been non towable according to gm since the changes in the 18 model year. I asked several sources when I bought the 20 and was told “flat no to flat tow”. I would welcome your being the one to try it $$$ and report the results as I would love to flat tow my terrain. I just don’t want to replace the transmission on my dime. If they are the “same” as the equinox I would assume gm would be first to say so.

DieselDisco · 09-26-2020, 06:18 PM

I'll contact them. If I have to disconnect the battery that isnt a big issue. Most people want to be able to stop , unhook and drive off without a lot of drama.

BillJinOR · 09-26-2020, 08:18 PM

The battery disconnect was for dolly towing not 4 down as when dolly tow you place in Park , which activates the parking brake at some point .. not good when dolly towing [emoji6]
4 down it’s left in neutral and I don’t think the parking brake is the issue.

kenandterry · 09-26-2020, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NXR

Be very careful. I think the 2018 and later Terrain models had different transmission innards than the Equinox that did not lubricate properly when flat towed. It had something to do with how the transmission is controlled but I cannot find the article right now. The 2018 Terrain manual specifically warns against flat towing.

Ray

Not that I don’t like the newer Terrain design since 2018......I do. But because I knew they were undergoing a massive design change in 2018, I bought a 2017 Terrain for flat towing. The transmissions for 2018 Equinox and Terrain are NOT the same anymore like they were for years before.

READ THE OWNERS MANUAL FOR YOUR PARTICULAR MODEL AND ENGINE as it pertains to “Recreational towing”

DieselDisco · 09-27-2020, 07:45 PM

I've read the owners manual so everyone can stop repeating that comment. My transmission in my diesel terrain is the same part number as they 2017 models. That is a fact @kennandterry.