Flat Towing a 2022 Chevrolet Spark  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The Chevy Spark can be flat towed only if it has a manual transmission. To flat tow the Spark, you will need a base plate, I recommend Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BX1725.

For the tow bar, I recommend The Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar, # BX7420. This non-binding design makes hooking up and unhooking the Spark from the motor home so much easier. The latches release tension to allow you to unhook the Spark from multiple angles compared to other tow bars that require the setup to be completely in line. The tow bar also comes with the needed safety cables so you don't need purchase those separately.

The best tow bar wiring option available for the 2022 Chevy Spark is the Demco Tail Light Wiring Bulb and Socket kit, # DM9523047-54. The Demco kit comes with plugs and sockets that mount in the tail light housing to illuminate when the motor home lights/signals are activated. It also comes with a 6-way plug for the front of the Spark and an adapter cord to plug the Spark into the motor home's 7-way for a clean install.

The Chevy Spark with manual transmission does require the battery to be disconnected while being flat towed so the vehicle's electrical accessories and features do not drain the battery. I recommend you add the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Supplemental Braking System, # RM-766 to make it easier to disconnect the battery each time you are ready to flat tow the Spark. Otherwise, you would have to disconnect it every time while the Roadmaster battery disconnect gives you a switch to flip.

Supplemental braking is required by law, I recommend The Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR which will sit in the floor board of the Spark and depress the brake pedal when it receives signal from the motor home. It is a very simple install, it just requires an active 12V outlet which you can add with part # RM-9332 since the Spark's battery needs to be disconnected to flat tow according to the owner's manual.

You will also need a charge line since the vehicle battery will be disconnected. You want to feed the battery from the motor homes battery with part # RM-156-25 that will charge the vehicle battery even though it's disconnected so you can power the 12V outlet for the braking system.

Finally, the last thing you may need is a high low adapter to help you tow the vehicle level with the motor home. I have attached a helpful article that explains how to measure for the rise or drop you may need with the adapter.

I have attached the process of setting up the Spark with manual transmission to be flat towed:

1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it to the tow vehicle.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Shift the transmission to Neutral.
4. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery.
5. Cover the negative battery post with a non-conductive material to prevent any contact with the
negative battery terminal.
6. Release the parking brake.

You can also use the Demco Kar Kaddy X Tow Dolly w/ Disc Brakes and Tilt Bed Frame, # DM9713093 or the foldable model, # DM9713045 as an option to flat towing if you prefer. These are the best tow dollies on the market, with tons of great features like disc brakes and a folding design for easy storage. The steerable axle allows the tow dolly to track directly behind your RV, preventing sliding and binding of the tires. The dolly's radial tires create less rolling resistance and heat buildup than bias ply tires, resulting in longer tread life and improved steering at higher speeds. This makes radial tires ideal for highway use.

expert reply by: Michael R

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