Community Forums

Treetop Flyer · 12-16-2018, 08:14 PM

I have a 2016 GMC Canyon and recently purchased the Roadmaster base plates. Waiting for a day in the 40 plus range to do the installation as the garage is not heated. Planning to get a NSA RV Products Ready Brute Elite tow bar that incorporates a surge type brake in the hitch/tow bar assembly. Very simple. There are lots of inexpensive manual battery disconnect switches on Amazon. I also purchased a Roadmaster wiring kit to power the tail light system on the truck from the motorhome.

IASM · 12-17-2018, 12:03 PM

Can someone give me an explanation of flutter. Never heard that term before.

dan-nickie · 12-17-2018, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IASM

Can someone give me an explanation of flutter. Never heard that term before.

Me neither. Doesn't matter to me as the Colorado does not do it.

I have heard the other term used in this thread of death wobble.I know some Jeep models were prone to do so. A Google search should bring up a few scary videos.

IASM · 12-18-2018, 12:29 AM

Regarding the battery disconnect. I was planning on installing a latching relay on the positive terminal. I assume they recommend the negative do to safety reasons. I was planning on disconnecting the positive cable.
Does anyone have any comments regarding why i shouldn't use the positive terminal ? I don't see any difference between the two options but more minds are hear to critique .

Thanks

DD788Snipe · 12-18-2018, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IASM

Regarding the battery disconnect. I was planning on installing a latching relay on the positive terminal. I assume they recommend the negative do to safety reasons. I was planning on disconnecting the positive cable.
Does anyone have any comments regarding why i shouldn't use the positive terminal ? I don't see any difference between the two options but more minds are hear to critique .

Thanks

Stick with the negative connection. For one it's simple and two it's better for your electronics. I have mine on the negative post.

vettenuts · 12-18-2018, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IASM

Regarding the battery disconnect. I was planning on installing a latching relay on the positive terminal. I assume they recommend the negative do to safety reasons. I was planning on disconnecting the positive cable.
Does anyone have any comments regarding why i shouldn't use the positive terminal ? I don't see any difference between the two options but more minds are hear to critique .

Thanks

I am using the Roadmaster switch, which is designed for the positive terminal. However, if I were installing a manual switch I would install on the negative side of the battery.

Treetop Flyer · 12-18-2018, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IASM

Regarding the battery disconnect. I was planning on installing a latching relay on the positive terminal. I assume they recommend the negative do to safety reasons. I was planning on disconnecting the positive cable.
Does anyone have any comments regarding why i shouldn't use the positive terminal ? I don't see any difference between the two options but more minds are hear to critique .

Thanks

Refer to your owners manual under "Recreational Towing" for all the details on how to tow your Colorado/Canyon. Regarding the battery it says to disconnect the negative cable from the battery terminal and cover the post with a non-conductive material to make sure it can't make a connection to ground. I purchased one of many knife blade manual battery disconnects that mount to the battery terminal on one side and connect to the negative cable on the other side of the switch.
Very simple, easy to install and operate. Also quite inexpensive.

IASM · 12-20-2018, 11:09 PM

I have wired a latching relay and a switch in the cab so just flip the switch and its disconnected. also good for when parked in garage for extended times. Using the positive side makes for a cleaner installation but i can use either.
I suspect the manufacture recommends the negative since its much more safer for the consumer to work with.

doorguy · 12-22-2018, 10:44 AM

Ok, I have my new Canyon now and although I don't have it tow ready yet, I;'ve been reading the owners manual(towing section). I'm a tad confused, after the the transfer case is in neutral, is the transmission shifter to be put in Neutral or Park for towing? In one paragraph, it refers to Neutral and another Park. Thanks in advance.

exgman · 12-22-2018, 10:46 AM

My ‘18 ends up in park for towing.

dan-nickie · 12-22-2018, 11:10 AM

You need to read the structions very closely.
Turn engine off key to acc in drive, disconnect battery, shift to park.

vettenuts · 12-22-2018, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doorguy

Ok, I have my new Canyon now and although I don't have it tow ready yet, I;'ve been reading the owners manual(towing section). I'm a tad confused, after the the transfer case is in neutral, is the transmission shifter to be put in Neutral or Park for towing? In one paragraph, it refers to Neutral and another Park. Thanks in advance.

You leave it in drive to shut off the motor and then shift it to park for towing. The transfer case will be in neutral and not allow the transmission to move. I used the manual to set up a specific procedure for connecting and disconnecting my Colorado as the steps involved need to be followed exactly per the manual. Some early users (back when the newer Colorado was introduced) had issues that were resolved over time and the later manual reflects some lessons learned.

Where are you looking in the manual?

BlueThunder4 · 12-22-2018, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doorguy

Ok, I have my new Canyon now and although I don't have it tow ready yet, I;'ve been reading the owners manual(towing section). I'm a tad confused, after the the transfer case is in neutral, is the transmission shifter to be put in Neutral or Park for towing? In one paragraph, it refers to Neutral and another Park. Thanks in advance.

I know what you are referring to, the 2019 manual does not state where to leave the gear shifter. I have read it many times very carefully and it does not state the answer.

BlueThunder4 · 12-22-2018, 04:20 PM

This is from the manual it does not state where to set the gear selector for the transmission. When reading the instructions for disconnecting from the MH it refers to putting the gear selector into park so we can assume at least it is not to be left there for towing.
Last instruction is to leave in drive I guess??