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DocJim · 07-10-2015, 03:37 PM

I have been towing a 2010 Silverado with Blue OX Tow Bar and SMI Air-force One braking system. Smooth system on the 2010.

I am looking at a 2015 Silverado and note that in order to flat tow the negative battery cable must be disconnected. The dealership has offered to install a quick disconnect on the negative battery post free of charge.

In disconnecting the battery all presets are lost and have to be reset each time.

I am wondering if anyone is doing this and how much trouble is it reset everything.

Thanks

Jim

newmarpusher · 07-10-2015, 03:47 PM

And I wonder how much of that is lawyers talking rather than engineers.

Both of my Jeep Wranglers stated to remove the negative battery cable. No one removes the negative battery cable on a Jeep Wrangler to flat tow it.

shiggs68 · 07-10-2015, 04:08 PM

I assume the point of disconnecting the battery is because you have to turn the key on to release the steering wheel. Without the disconnect, the battery will discharge and you run the risk of a dead battery after towing.

Some people work around this by using a charge line from your Motorhome to the toad if it is available.

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DocJim · 07-10-2015, 06:30 PM

According to the GM Service Bulletin it would appear that the new electric steering that started in 2013 models is the issue.

Jim

bailiff · 07-10-2015, 07:14 PM

It's because of electric steering introduced on the 2014 model year. My 2013 requires no disconnect. I saw on another forum, this service bulletin. http://community.fmca.com/index.php?...&attach_id=849

STEVE-JUNELL · 07-10-2015, 08:09 PM

I'm flat towing a 14 Silverado that requires the battery to be disconnected due to the steering it's a few more steps than the 07 we had but I like the truck. I printed the service buliten to flat tow and walk thru the steps every time I tried to install a quick disconnect but didn't like how it fit and I didn't want to cut the cable it takes 2 seconds to use a socket and losen the terminal and pull the cable off then there is no room for error

DocJim · 07-11-2015, 04:26 PM

Thanks for the information and comments . The dealer has agreed to install a Quick Battery Disconnect to the 2015 Silverado LTZ and provide a demonstration and detailed instructions on flat towing.
I do have a copy of the GM Service Bulletin however it is confusing and lacks certain details in its presentation.
Take delivery next week.

Jim

newmarpusher · 07-11-2015, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocJim

Thanks for the information and comments . The dealer has agreed to install a Quick Battery Disconnect to the 2015 Silverado LTZ and provide a demonstration and detailed instructions on flat towing.
I do have a copy of the GM Service Bulletin however it is confusing and lacks certain details in its presentation.
Take delivery next week.

Jim

This is the type of switch I have used in the past for vehicles that needed to have the battery disconnected for one reason or another.

It's foolproof, nothing to accidentally touch, etc. Just twist the knob tight for connection and loosen it to disconnect. No need to cut cables either.

Ronrad · 07-12-2015, 05:16 AM

That is a good switch but unfortunately will not fit on a chey or gm with the battery post recessed. See my post from 2 weeks ago. Works great and you don,t need to cut any cables.

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newmarpusher · 07-12-2015, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronrad

That is a good switch but unfortunately will not fit on a chey or gm with the battery post recessed. See my post from 2 weeks ago. Works great and you don,t need to cut any cables.

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I last had one on a Ford E450 based Class C. Worked great. I'm not familiar with the battery on a GM product, sorry.

DocJim · 07-12-2015, 02:12 PM

RONRAD, I looked at your photos and it looks like an ideal setup for the Negative Battery disconnect.
Could let me know where you purchased the supplies.
Thanks
Jim

Ronrad · 07-13-2015, 06:24 AM

The red switch came from West Marine. The rest of the parts from any auto parts store,except the flat copper strap from one of the 3/8 terminals to mount the lead lug to. That was a piece of copper that I had.Ron rad

dmsatori · 07-13-2015, 07:51 AM

I went from a 2011 silverado to a gmc 2014. The electric power steering is the main reason for a battery disconnect. I also was worried about the presets. Surprisingly I don't seem to loose them. The one time I towed for 3 days straight I did seem to loose some. I did put a battery disconnect in I got at napa. I don't like leaving the key in also. This routine takes a little more concentration than my old 2011. I have gotton used to this now. not so bad. The dealer had to call gm for the instructions for towing. They put nothing in the book.