Community Forums

Nutmeg · 07-29-2011, 04:26 PM

I have the vantage which was based on what my friends had and I thought the on the fly feature would be nice. In reality after it was set up I have never had the need to re-adjust but I stay pretty local. As with all systems do a little looking around, get educated on whats available, think about it and how you are going to use it and make a choice. I picked the Brake Buddy system based on people I know and trust and the ability of that type to move from vehicle to vehicle. I am happy with the system and have no regrets with it. IMHO the only thing to be aware of is to install the dedicated power outlet as the factory outlet in the Colorado has a very small wire powering it and stuggles with the flow needed.

Lemon Twist · 07-29-2011, 10:42 PM

I tow a 2011 GMC Sierra 4X4 behind my Monaco Dynasty.

With the Unified braking system everything is permanently installed in the truck.

All I have to do is connect the Black Hawk 2 and cables, put the transfer case into neutral, put the shift lever into park and remove the key. As previously posted, the steering wheel will not lock when the transfer case is in neutral and you don't have to remove any fuses.

The control in the coach shows me when the brake is active in the truck and with led lights indicates how much braking is being applied. It works with the exhaust and transmission braking as well.

Compared to my previous system that did not have a vacuum pump, I get much more "seat of the pants" feedback when I brake. I can feel it. Did not get this with my HHR and the non-vacuum system.

Very pleased with the setup and the ease of hooking up as well as the reverse. This system is a little more expensive but I think it is worth it when I compare it to my previous experience with the Road-master.

Chuck

YC1 · 07-29-2011, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cousin Ed

We have been towing our '05 Colorado Crew for over 50,000 miles without a problem. To tow ours, I attach it to the MH in park with the engine off, then start it; shift to neutral; hold the 2HI and 4Low together. In ten seconds it shifts the transfer case to neutral. You then shift to drive and reverse to insure the Trans Case is in neutral. I then turn the HVAC to off and turn off the engine, then shift to park. We use a Brake Buddy which I set up after the truck is ready to roll.
We have more than 85,000 driving miles on the truck and its second set of tires are still good! It's a nice little truck.

Same procedure for my H3 Hummer which is nothing other than a Chevy Colorado. To prevent the bann as mentioned from another poster I push the 4wd button with the ignition on but not started. I can hear it engage the transmission and then I start it normally. The H3 tows great but it is a bit heavy at 5K lbs.

double-r · 08-08-2011, 06:33 PM

I have a 2005 Chevy Colorado that I tow. Follow the book regarding placing it in neutral. Leave the key in the OFF position and you can even take it out and place it in the motor home for security. The steering wheel doesn't lock and the battery does not go dead. It doesn't explain this in the book but I finally went to Chevy dealer and they explained about not putting the key in accessory mode.

I did have one problem early on regarding the wiring loom which is run under the battery. The battery acid eroded the insulation and caused a short where I couldn't move from towing mode to driving mode. They rerouted the cable and no problems since then.

FES · 10-12-2011, 09:09 PM

I am towing a 2011 Colorado.
I've discovered that removing the key after turning the ignition off, will lock the steering. This what the owners manual says to do after putting the transfer case into neutral.
I have found out if you do not remove the key from the ignition, in the off position, the steering will not lock.
I have towed the Colorado on three trips, with no problem and I am very happy with how it tows.

FES · 11-01-2011, 12:34 PM

I've contacted GM about this issue and they concur that the owners manual is wrong, and are going to make changes to the manual.
Note, that to keep the steering from locking, you have to have had the key on to at least the Acc. position. Turn the key off, but do not remove it. If you you remove the key you will hear a click indicating the steering is locked.

Glenn and Kathy · 11-01-2011, 06:21 PM

We just came back from an 800 mile trip towing our 2011 Colorado. Towed great. Never left the key in the ignition, wheel never locked. I tried to get the wheel to lock after reading earlier post, would not lock. Will have to check further on that.

Glenn