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rocky34 · 06-25-2016, 06:56 PM

So just got the new to me 13 Sierra checked the manual and it says transfer case in neutral transmission in park key off and removed from ignition. Seems simple but I have a few questions for those that have been doing it with this truck, what do you do about the brake lights when the toad brake activates? Is there a fuse I can pull so the brake lights don't activate? Also does the accessory points go off after a certain time to protect the battery I read there is a battery protection system that shuts off certain accessories after 20 minutes to protect the battery don't know if they are part of that. And one other question what's everybody doing for lights? I was thinking of going with the blue ox diode kit is anyone using them or is there a better way to go. Thanks in advance for the help!

FIRE UP · 06-25-2016, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocky34

So just got the new to me 13 Sierra checked the manual and it says transfer case in neutral transmission in park key off and removed from ignition. Seems simple but I have a few questions for those that have been doing it with this truck, what do you do about the brake lights when the toad brake activates? Is there a fuse I can pull so the brake lights don't activate? Also does the accessory points go off after a certain time to protect the battery I read there is a battery protection system that shuts off certain accessories after 20 minutes to protect the battery don't know if they are part of that. And one other question what's everybody doing for lights? I was thinking of going with the blue ox diode kit is anyone using them or is there a better way to go. Thanks in advance for the help!

rocky34,
Well, we tow an '11 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 Extended Cab. And with it:

1. Truck engine running
2. Transmission in Neutral
3. Emergency Brake "ON"
4. Feet on the brake pedal
5. Transfer case into Neutral
6. Transmission back to park
7. Emergency brake off
8. Engine off
9. Remove key

Now, as for lights. I wired mine, the same exact way Iv'e wired all 12 of my toads, for over 30 years. I tied into the factory wiring, right close to the left rear tail light housing. I utilize the stock tail light bulbs as toad lights. I then install TWO, Radio Shack diodes, one for the right turn/brake, and one for the left turn/brake. I DO NOT install any other diodes, in the running light circuit or any other part of the wiring.

That system has worked absolutely flawlessly for over 30 years without ever having one issue.

Now, one thing. On our 2011 GMC, the brake lights ARE NOT ACTIVATED by pushing on the brake pedal, with the ignition off. Many cars/trucks are, not ours. So, using just about any toad braking system could be used on ours. But, you'd have to make sure that your brake lights do activate with the brake pedal, with the ignition off.

We're presently using the M &G Braking system. By virtue of its operation, even if ours were activated with the brake pedal on ignition-on sequence, our brake lights on the truck would not activate.

Anyway, do make sure you go over all the sequences in your owners manual for proper placement of the transfer case etc. It's kind of a pain, you have to jump to multiple pages to find it all but, you'll get there. I'm not sure of the year but, in the later GMCs and Chevys, you have to disconnect the negative battery cable when towing. I think it was later, maybe '15, not sure.

Any questions, PM me and I'd be glad to help.
Scott

rocky34 · 06-26-2016, 07:06 PM

Thanks Scott that's the info I was looking for my manual says the exact same thing you said for setting up to tow I was just checking because it's so much simpler than what I had to do with my Dodge. I'm probably going to get the blue ox diode kit and use the factory lights as you said it's a much cleaner look. I will check to see if my brake lights work with the key off when I have some help. Thanks for the great info.

FIRE UP · 06-26-2016, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocky34

Thanks Scott that's the info I was looking for my manual says the exact same thing you said for setting up to tow I was just checking because it's so much simpler than what I had to do with my Dodge. I'm probably going to get the blue ox diode kit and use the factory lights as you said it's a much cleaner look. I will check to see if my brake lights work with the key off when I have some help. Thanks for the great info.

You're certainly welcome Sir. You don't need help for checking your brake lights with the ignition off. All you need to do is, back it up against a garage wall, or, building of some sort and, shut the engine down and, then hit the brakes and see if the wall behind you lights up. I'm including a drawing I did when I setup our "then" toad, an '11 Honda CRV EX-L All Wheel Drive. It's wired identical to any other toad I've done only with one exception.

You'll see a "Tail light Converter" box in line with that wiring. It's there to accommodate the amber tail lights on the Honda. Your truck will have RED tail lights so, that Tail light converter would not be in the picture. Good luck.
Scott