Community Forums

Apen48 · 08-29-2017, 08:11 AM

Thinking of getting a GMC 1500 as our tow vehicle. In looking it looks like it should be a 4X4 with a transfer case that has a natural setting. Am I on the right track and does anyone tow a GMC pickup, have you had any problems or any suggestions.

Chargerman · 08-29-2017, 08:43 AM

I have a GMC and yes a transfer case with a neutral setting is a good way to go. You will need to disconnect the battery and leave the key in ACC position so the steering wheel doesn't lock. Disconnecting the battery is due to the electric power steering. I added a battery disconnect switch. Some have added a battery disconnect with a solenoid so they can disconnect the battery from the cab with a toggle switch. Wish I would have done that since going under the hood every time is a bit of a PIA. I had a Ram previously and it was nice to be able to put the transfer case in neutral and take the key out and be ready to go.

montyhp · 08-29-2017, 11:24 AM

You didn't say what year. My 2013 does not require battery disconnect.

Chargerman · 08-29-2017, 11:36 AM

Mine is a 2016. I think the need for disconnect started in 2014

FIRE UP · 08-29-2017, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apen48

Thinking of getting a GMC 1500 as our tow vehicle. In looking it looks like it should be a 4X4 with a transfer case that has a natural setting. Am I on the right track and does anyone tow a GMC pickup, have you had any problems or any suggestions.

First off,
We need to know what year GMC you're thinking about towing. Year's prior to 2015 need NO BATTERY DISCONNECT when prepping for towing. We tow a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab 4x4. We've been doing it now for 5 years. I won't go into all the procedures for prepping for towing 'cause your owners manual will spell it all out. The only thing I will point out in that procedure is, the control knob for the 4WD has NO NEUTRAL indicator visible on it, in it's NORMAL operation mode. When you get ready to tow, or, just for practice, just stop the truck, put in neutral, hold on the brake pedal, then, turn the control knob for the the transfer case, CLOCKWISE, all the way and hold it.

Within a couple of seconds, a RED "N" will appear underneath the 4L icon. When you see that, your transfer case is now in NEUTRAL. Proceed with all other directions for prep for tow. Just remember, getting that "N" to appear, can take quite a few seconds, the wife says up to 30 or so. By the way, the red "N" will also appear when the ignition is turned on and, all the instrumentation is doing it's checks, within a few seconds of being turned on.

But, towing it is a breeze.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chargerman

I have a GMC and yes a transfer case with a neutral setting is a good way to go. You will need to disconnect the battery and leave the key in ACC position so the steering wheel doesn't lock. Disconnecting the battery is due to the electric power steering. I added a battery disconnect switch. Some have added a battery disconnect with a solenoid so they can disconnect the battery from the cab with a toggle switch. Wish I would have done that since going under the hood every time is a bit of a PIA. I had a Ram previously and it was nice to be able to put the transfer case in neutral and take the key out and be ready to go.

You will need to disconnect the battery and leave the key in ACC position so the steering wheel doesn't lock.

This all depends on the year the OP plans on towing. As stated above, we have an '11 and there is no need for the key to be in the ACC position. Nor is there a need to disconnect the battery.

The same is true for a '13 model year. I cruised through a '14 PDF Owners Manual and, for the life of me, all it says when towing a 4WD model, to SEE YOUR DEALER FOR INSTRUCTIONS. Well, that's a crock. I know the '14s are towable, it just doesn't say all the instructions in that manual I saw. As for the '15s, I'm pretty sure (not 100% positive) that, that's the year they started using the ACC position thing and, removing the negative battery thing. Glad we don't have to do that.
Scott

TomandGloria · 08-29-2017, 12:14 PM

I tow a 2015 GMC Canyon and follow the same basic procedure Scott outlined. The reason I was given for disconnecting the negative battery cable is my truck is equipped with electronic power steering. Other than popping the hood and turning battery switch to off, there is no real work in towing the truck.

Muleroper · 08-30-2017, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomandGloria

I tow a 2015 GMC Canyon and follow the same basic procedure Scott outlined. The reason I was given for disconnecting the negative battery cable is my truck is equipped with electronic power steering. Other than popping the hood and turning battery switch to off, there is no real work in towing the truck.

For someone that doesn't mind going back to a 2012 or earlier, the gmc canyon/chevy colorado with four wheel drive is an excellent choice. Put transfer case in neutral and you're ready to go. No battery disconnect or fuse removal, no locking steering column. We have a crew cab so plenty of room for the dogs and a bonus of having truck bed storage. 4400 lbs give or take so even gassers won't have any trouble towing it.

Acker1 · 08-30-2017, 09:27 PM

My 2013 is the same. I think they changed it in 2014.

DICK

odm2116 · 10-14-2017, 07:29 AM

If you disconnect the battery, how do you power braking system? If you power from RV and have accidental disconnect, then the braking system has no power to respond.

MSHappyCampers · 10-14-2017, 09:31 AM

Hi !

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Don't tow a pickup but just wanted to say hello. Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

TomandGloria · 10-14-2017, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odm2116

If you disconnect the battery, how do you power braking system? If you power from RV and have accidental disconnect, then the braking system has no power to respond.

I have the M-G system on my truck and requires no power. The breakaway is a canister that applies brakes when activated.

Badgrandad · 10-19-2017, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odm2116

If you disconnect the battery, how do you power braking system? If you power from RV and have accidental disconnect, then the braking system has no power to respond.

I have a wire from the coach to power my Blue Ox Patriot II system which has a built in battery for breakaway stops.

You can also direct wire a plug from the toad battery that works when you disconnect the truck negative terminal. the braking system uses very little power so you probably need little more than this unless you tow for 5-6 days without stopping and running your toad.

I tried to have a charging wire to my battery from the coach AND a direct wire plug from the battery to my braking system, but due to the way my truck was wired, disconnecting my negative post didn't de-power the truck electronics.

It would have worked if I disconnected the positive side of the battery, but the installer wouldn't "stand behind" the installation because the dealer only recommended disconnecting the negative.

After I am comfortable about the installation integrity I will be doing the change to a battery charge wire and positive battery disconnect myself.

jeffnjen · 11-05-2017, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odm2116

If you disconnect the battery, how do you power braking system? If you power from RV and have accidental disconnect, then the braking system has no power to respond.

I wired the my braking system ahead of the disconnect, I also disconnect the positive post, to eliminate any grounding back feed
I also have a charge wire, from coach, to make sure the battery doesn't die

Apen48 · 11-06-2017, 06:33 AM

Well we are very happy with M&G system. They installed negative disconnect switch. Truck towed great. M&G installed their system and even complied with Spartan chassis requirements. True proportional brake system. Yep, no need for electricity on brake away. M&G wired the trunk lights, installed base plates, brake away system, coach air and showed us how to connect/ disconnect. We used a Demco SS tow dolly for 8 years, and happy but with Blue Ox and M&G we think we have a great system for many years.