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2012 - 2020 Chevrolet Sonic
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Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
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Includes base plate, safety cables and installation hardware (tow bar sold separately)
Not compatible with universal tow bar
Includes base plate, safety cables and installation hardware (tow bar sold separately)
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Finish: GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
Installation Difficulty: Professional
Installation Time Exact (Minutes): 120
CURT tow bar base plates are engineered for a custom fit on each unique vehicle. This custom tow bar base plate fits select years of the Chevy Sonic (see application info to verify fitment). It features an OE style design to fully integrate with the front of the vehicle and maintain a factory look. This Chevy Sonic tow bar baseplate is constructed from high-quality steel and is precisely welded for a perfect fit. It is physically tested for absolute safety and peace of mind while dinghy towing. It also features a unique co-cured finish of liquid A-coat and highly durable powder coat to protect against the outdoor elements. This base plate for towing comes with attachment tabs, safety cables and installation hardware.
CURT offers a variety of high-quality trailer hitches and accessories for select vehicle models. Find the perfect fit for your towing needs at TowUniverse.
CURT, a Lippert brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit hitches, and each one is designed, welded, and coated in Wisconsin.
CURT is also a leader in flat towing products, as well as 5th wheel, gooseneck, and weight distribution hitches, ball mounts, electrical components, cargo solutions, and other towing accessories.
For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products®.'
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-9494Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 - 2020 | Chevrolet Sonic | Drilling Required Installation Time: 90+ minutes Visibility: Concealed |
The CURT 70116 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Fits Select Chevrolet Sonic (Part #BKDK70116) fits 2012-2020 Chevrolet Sonic models. The 2020 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the CURT 70116 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Fits Select Chevrolet Sonic (Part #BKDK70116) is designed to fit the 2012-2020 Chevrolet Sonic.
The CURT 70116 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Fits Select Chevrolet Sonic (Part #BKDK70116) fits the following vehicles: 2012-2020 Chevrolet Sonic. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The CURT 70116 Custom Tow Bar Base Plate Brackets for Dinghy Towing, Fits Select Chevrolet Sonic (Part #BKDK70116) Drilling is required for installation. Typical installation time is 90+ minutes. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The CURT 70116 is a tow bar base plate designed for dinghy towing applications. It mounts to the vehicle's front frame and includes permanent safety cables to help prevent complete vehicle separation in the event of a disconnect. The base plate includes attachment tabs for mounting tow bar arms when towing, and socket plugs to cover the ends when not in use.
Yes. Installation requires front fascia panels, supports and a portion of the underbody panel to be temporarily removed and reinstalled. Some drilling and trimming are required. Specifically, you will drill 13/32" holes in the vehicle frame, trim plastic flanges on non-turbo models, cut notches in the bumper (approximately 2" from the edge), and trim the front fascia to accommodate safety cable loops and attachment tabs. For RS models, the plastic shroud is removed and not reinstalled.
Required tools include: torque wrench, drill, drill bits (1/4" and 13/32"), reciprocating saw, tape measure, socket set (9/16", 10mm, 13mm), T20 Torx bit, large vise grip, Phillips screwdriver, utility knife, flat head screwdriver, and 3/8" fishwire (eight included). Safety glasses should be worn at all times during installation.
The kit includes: 1 tow bar base plate, 2 tow bar mounting tabs, 2 safety cables (3,500 lbs. each), 8 carriage bolts (3/8"-16 x 1-1/2", grade 8), 8 square hole spacers (1/4" x 1" x 2"), 8 flange nuts (3/8"-16, grade 8), 2 quick links (1/4"), 2 socket plugs, and 8 pieces of 3/8" fishwire.
The installation is rated as Difficult. The difficulty level is based on time and effort involved and may vary depending on the installer's level of expertise, the condition of the vehicle, and whether proper tools and equipment are available. The manual recommends reading all instructions thoroughly before beginning and notes that proper tools will improve the quality of installation and reduce the time required.
The first step is bumper removal. Open the hood and remove the six push pins in the top fascia cover (three on either side). Then use a 10mm socket to remove the four bolts from the cover (two on either side). Note: Some models have six bolts instead of four.
Use a T20 Torx bit to remove the four screws along the inside edge of the wheel well liner. Repeat this on the other side of the vehicle.
Seven bolts hold the underbody fascia: three on either side and one in the center. Use a T20 Torx bit to remove them.
The bumper fascia brackets are secured with two screws (one on either side). Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove them. Note: For 2019 models, there will be 7mm bolts instead of Phillips head screws.
Remove the center push pin from the underbody panel. Then use a 13mm socket to remove the two bolts on either side. Some models may have a screw in the bumper fascia directly below the license plate; if present, use a T20 Torx bit to remove it. Then remove the front portion of the underbody panel and set it aside.
When removing the bumper fascia by pulling up and out at the edges near the wheel wells, make sure to disconnect any electrical harnesses before removing the bumper fascia entirely.
Use a 13mm socket to remove the three bolts in the lower fascia support bracket. Repeat this on the other side of the vehicle. Then remove the support and set it aside.
For non-turbo models, trim off the flanges extending forward of the vehicle as needed to clear the base plate. Mark the area with a paint pen and use a utility knife to trim the marked area. Repeat on the other side of the vehicle.
For RS models, remove the plastic shroud by pulling out the two push pins on either side. Return the shroud and fasteners to the vehicle's owner—it will not be reinstalled. Additionally, use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the lower fog light housing bracket, then mark off and trim areas using a utility knife. Repeat on the other side of the vehicle.
Mark a notch in the bumper about 2" from the edge. Then use a metal-cutting tool (reciprocating saw or cutoff wheel) to cut off the marked area. Repeat on the other side of the vehicle.
Drill a 13/32" hole in the vehicle frame. This is done using the bottom hole in the side plate as a guide (Step 10), and again for the top two holes in the side plate plus the front-facing hole (Step 11).
Position the tow bar base plate on the frame making sure the support tabs are just below the bumper. Level the base plate and clamp it into place. Take care not to damage hoses or wiring when rotating the base plate into position. Then drill and install the fasteners as described in Steps 10–11, torquing all hardware to 37 lb-ft.
All hardware securing the base plate to the vehicle frame must be torqued to 37 lb-ft. This applies to the carriage bolts and flange nuts installed in Steps 10 and 11.
Square hole spacers (1/4" x 1" x 2") are installed with the 3/8" carriage bolts when fastening the base plate to the vehicle frame. They are used in the holes drilled in the frame and help distribute the load of the fasteners.
Fishwire (3/8", eight pieces included) is used to route the carriage bolts and square hole spacers through the vehicle frame channels into the drilled holes. The manual instructs to 'fishwire' the bolts and spacers into the frame and into the drilled hole, then secure with flange nuts. This technique allows fasteners to be installed in frame channels that may not be directly accessible.
Install the permanent safety cables and quick links by looping them around the vehicle frame and linking them to the tow bar base plate. There must be one cable on each side of the vehicle. Make sure the cables do not pinch or interfere with any hoses, wiring or other components. The manual provides installation guidelines and illustrations in the 'Installing the Permanent Base Plate Safety Cables' section.
Hold up the front fascia in its original position and mark where it will need to be trimmed to make space for the safety cable loops and attachment tabs. Trim off the marked area. Then reinstall the panel, making sure to reconnect the electrical harnesses. Reinstall any additional panels or components that were previously removed during the install.
When ready to tow, install the tow bar mounting tabs. When not towing, insert the socket plugs into the ends of the tow bar base plate to cover them.
Yes. The car horn bracket may need to be moved temporarily to allow space for drilling the top two holes in the side plate.
For vehicles with a passenger-side temperature sensor, remove the sensor from the back side of the bumper fascia and use a zip tie to reattach it to the base plate.
Each safety cable is rated for 3,500 lbs. Two cables are installed, one on each side of the vehicle.
The installed attachment tabs have a height of 13-1/2" and a width of 18".
Safety glasses should be worn at all times while installing this product. Take care when cutting any plastic or metal as injury may occur if done improperly. Take care not to damage hoses or wiring when rotating the base plate into position. Never exceed the vehicle manufacturer's recommended gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Periodically check the condition of all towing equipment. Ensure all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound. Do not tow with worn or damaged parts. Review the owner's manual for your towed vehicle and towing vehicle for specific recommendations, capacities and requirements.
No. Base plate safety cables are not a replacement for safety chains connecting the tow vehicle to the towed vehicle. Both safety cables and safety chains should be used when dinghy towing.
The base plate attachment tabs should be removed when not in use.
The manual does not specify which vehicle makes and models are compatible with part 70116. Contact CURT product support at 877-287-8634 or visit curtmfg.com to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle.
You will need a torque wrench, drill with 1/4" and 13/32" bits, reciprocating saw, socket set (9/16", 10mm, 13mm), T20 Torx bit, vise grip, screwdrivers (Phillips and flat head), utility knife, tape measure, and the included 3/8" fishwire. Safety glasses are required.
The installation is rated as Difficult and requires removal and reinstallation of front fascia panels, drilling, and trimming. The manual does not explicitly state whether professional installation is required or recommended. Contact CURT product support at 877-287-8634 for guidance.
Yes. You must drill 13/32" holes in the vehicle frame to mount the base plate. Trimming of plastic and metal components is also required.
All fasteners securing the base plate to the vehicle frame must be torqued to 37 lb-ft.
Yes. When dinghy towing a vehicle with a tow bar, base plate safety cables should be used at all times. The cables are designed to help prevent complete vehicle separation in the event of a disconnect. However, they are not a replacement for safety chains connecting the tow vehicle to the towed vehicle.
Periodically check the condition of all towing equipment. Ensure all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound. Do not tow with worn or damaged parts.
After installing the bottom fasteners in Step 10, verify that the base plate is level before torquing the hardware to 37 lb-ft. If the base plate is not level, adjust its position and re-torque. After installing the top fasteners in Step 11, ensure the base plate remains level and torque all hardware to 37 lb-ft.
When installing the permanent safety cables and quick links, make sure the cables do not pinch or interfere with any hoses, wiring or other components. If interference occurs, reposition the cables to route them safely around the vehicle frame and components.
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