Community Forums

ARenRob · 06-24-2013, 08:01 AM

I'm towing a 2006 GMC Canyon (4x4) behind my RV. The GMC owners manual clearly states the steering wheel is to be in the LOCKED position while being towed. That seems wrong in my unexperienced opinion. Does anyone have any insights? Is it a typo in the manual? If the wheel is locked ... the tires are locked in that position ... correct?

KIX · 06-24-2013, 08:09 AM

I would have to agree with your thoughts. If you have a floor jack available you could lift thte front axle, lock the steering as you manual indicates then try to manually turn wheels. My assumption, like yours, is that the wheels will lock.

FlyingDiver · 06-24-2013, 08:17 AM

If the vehicle doesn't have a steering wheel lock, then ignition in lock is probably correct.

Route 66 · 06-24-2013, 08:35 AM

The steering wheel MUST be able to turn.

Wayne M · 06-24-2013, 09:18 AM

Your manual:
"
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Use the following procedure to tow your vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground:
1. Drive the vehicle to be towed into position behind the tow vehicle.
2. Firmly set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on page 2-28 for more information.
3. Put an automatic transmission in PARK (P) or a manual transmission in FIRST (1).
4. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.

CAUTION:
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle’s transfer case into NEUTRAL can cause your vehicle to
roll even if the transmission is in PARK (P) for an automatic transmission, or if your vehicle is
in gear, for a manual transmission. You or others could be injured. Make sure the parking
brake is firmly set before you shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL.

5. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL. See Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-24 for more information.
6. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is firmly attached to the tow vehicle.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK.

If the tow vehicle will not be started or driven for six weeks or more, remove the battery cable from the negative terminal (post) of the battery to prevent your battery from draining while towing. After towing see “Shifting Out of NEUTRAL” under
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-24"

==========
My note:
Talk with your Mfg. I believe that on your model the wheels do not lock if you have an automatic transmission, only a manual transmission has wheel lock. It may have changed since 2006 to 2012/13.

You could also do as the instructions say, hook it up to the motorhome, pull forward while turning and have someone watch the wheels. They should turn as the TOAD starts to make it's turn.

Cousin Ed · 06-24-2013, 09:21 AM

The key does not lock the steering on a Colorado.

Pigman1 · 06-24-2013, 05:30 PM

Cousin ED has the answer. Colorado or the Canyon (same truck) that year doesn't lock the column when the key is locked and removed. I pulled an 06 Colorado over 100,000 miles with the key removed and column locked.

Skip426 · 06-24-2013, 05:37 PM

Difference in terms " ignition locked " VS " Steering locked ". JMHO.
Not all ignition locks , involve a steering lock mechanism.
OK , Pigman just pointed that out.
Man I type slow.