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Counselor1 · 08-12-2020, 10:57 AM

I am really confused about this. I just bought a 2013 Chevy Spark that I am converting to a Toad. Original instructions to tow it say put it in neutral and turn the key to ACC. This however resulted in issues when making turns of the wheels dragging. Latest chevy bulletin for 2018-2019 says to put in neutral, remove the key and disconnect the neg battery lead. Should I do this for my 2013 as well?

Alpine36 · 08-12-2020, 11:05 AM

Key must be in the on position, in other words the first position that unlocks the steering wheel. Steering wheel must be free to turn if your towing "flat four".

taylorbob1 · 08-12-2020, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Counselor1

I am really confused about this. I just bought a 2013 Chevy Spark that I am converting to a Toad. Original instructions to tow it say put it in neutral and turn the key to ACC. This however resulted in issues when making turns of the wheels dragging. Latest chevy bulletin for 2018-2019 says to put in neutral, remove the key and disconnect the neg battery lead. Should I do this for my 2013 as well?

Yes, what Alpine36 said.
I have a 2020 Spark which has no wheel lock.
So I place manual shifter in neutral, remove key, and have a knife switch for battery disconnect.

Your 2013 requires that you place key in ACC mode to remove wheel lock.
But you'll still need a battery disconnect or you'll drain the battery. Right?

Counselor1 · 08-14-2020, 10:27 AM

Ok, so I disconnect the neg lead on my battery, put key in and turn to ACC, transmission in Neutral. What about a source of power for supplemental brakes. Do I run power from the RV?

taylorbob1 · 08-15-2020, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Counselor1

Ok, so I disconnect the neg lead on my battery, put key in and turn to ACC, transmission in Neutral. What about a source of power for supplemental brakes. Do I run power from the RV?

If you choose to run brakes (which I do not), you will need a line from the trailer hitch on the towing vehicle.
I don't have any experience in this.
There are different brake systems available.
Each one has a different set-up.

For my Spark, since I do not run brakes...the only line I run is a 4 port line from the RV to power the magnetic running/turn signal lights that i mount on top of the Spark rear roof.

So for brakes, you may only need to run power from there.

the2sharps · 10-07-2020, 03:24 PM

I recently bought a 2014 Chevy Spark for a toad. I'm following the 2014 owner's manual that says to shift the manual transmission to neutral and turn the ignition to the ACC position. For a visual check, the ACC position powers up the dashboard, radio, and 12v socket (i.e. cigarette lighter socket).

According to an Internet search, for the 2014 Spark, putting the ignition in the ACC position unlocks the steering wheel. While towing, when I turn a corner, the front wheels of the Spark are turning. I use a Blue Ox Patriot brake system powered by the cigarette lighter socket. I have a charge line from the motorhome to the Spark to charge the Spark's battery while being towed.