Towing 2016 Silverado 4x4 question

The procedure to tow the Chevrolet and GM trucks really hasn't changed over the years. On my 2012 Silverado you did the same thing as they're asking you to do with the 2016, with the exception that the 2012 didn't require that the battery be disconnected. The disconnecting of the battery, at least for new Canyon and Colorado's, is to protect the power steering.

The 2016 towing procedure above is very wordy and convoluted. I reduced that procedure to several steps, printed them on a card and laminated them to keep in the truck. There is no difference between towing my 2012 Silverado and my 2016 GMC Canyon, other than disconnecting the battery.

Here is a look at the steps I print out and use in the truck.

1. Start engine and shift transmission to Neutral "N"
2. Shift Transfer case to Neutral "N" (Hold at least 10 seconds).
3. Shift transmission to Drive "D" and insure transfer case is in "Neutral", then turn key to "ACCESSORY".
4. Shift transmission to Park "P" and turn key "OFF".
5. Wait 30 seconds and restart.
6. Shift transmission to Drive "D", turn key to "ACCESSORY".
7. Disconnect battery.
8. Shift transmission tp Park "P" (Leave key in "ACCESSORY).

I do believe that they added step #5 and #6 in the "TO TOW" procedure because they want you to double check that it's in Neutral. I also disconnect the positive side of my battery with an electric disconnect solenoid kit sold by Roadmaster.

Although it is arguably one of the more complicated procedures I've seen it is pretty straightforward:

From the 2016 Silverado 1500 Owners Manual, Pg 448

Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Only dinghy tow four-wheel-drive vehicles with a two-speed transfer case that have an N (Neutral) and a Four-Wheel Drive Low (4 (n) setting.

Warning Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle's transfer case into N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in P (Park). You or others could be injured. Set the parking brake before shifting the transfer case to N (Neutral).

To dinghy tow:
1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle, facing forward and on a level surface.
2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Apply the parking brake and start the engine. For vehicles with an Electric Parking Brake (EPB), the parking brake cannot be applied and the tires must be chocked.
4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into N (Neutral)” under Four-Wheel Drive 0 297. Check that the vehicle is in N (Neutral) by shifting the transmission to R (Reverse) and then to D (Drive). There should be no movement of the vehicle while shifting.
5. Shift the transmission into D (Drive). Turn the engine off. Then shift the transmission into (Park).
6. Wait for at least 10 seconds, then restart the engine.
7. Shift the transmission to D (Drive), then turn the engine off again. Caution Failure to disconnect the negative battery cable or to have it contact the terminals can cause damage to the vehicle.
8. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery and secure the nut and bolt. Cover the negative battery post with a non-conductive material to prevent any contact with the negative battery terminal.
9. Shift the transmission to P (Park). Caution If the steering column is locked, vehicle damage may occur.
Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing- .S./Canada/Mexico-9159338) - 2016 - crc - 10/21/15 Vehicle Care 449
10. Move the steering wheel to make sure the steering column is unlocked.
11. With a foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake. Keep the ignition key in the towed vehicle in ACC/ACCESSORY to prevent the steering column from locking.

If its unclear in the Chevrolet owners manual I would try to contact their customer service.

My Dodge Dakota specifically stated to leave transmission in PARK.

A couple of notes you should be aware of. The transmission should be in Park not Drive per the manual. Next, if you are using a braking system that ties into the vehicle battery or in certain situations the vehicle can actually become reenergized in a round about way. When you disconnect the battery negative cable that isolates the ground from the vehicle battery however in many installations there is still a ground connection to the battery from the tow vehicle electrical connection to allow the lights and braking system to work. The braking system needs power and generally there is a charge line to the toad vehicle in addition to the ground. The other way the toad vehicle computer can receive power is through the motorhome electrical system. In general there is +12V power available at the following pins: Battery charge line, reverse light, brake power, running lights and brake lights / turn signals. Since the motorhome has a common ground and the tow bar is in fact also a ground this allows current leakage through the hot side that is connected to the vehicle battery combined with the ground through the motorhome back feeding through any OEM component that is screwed or bolted to the frame. The solution is simple disconnect the "hot" side rather than the negative side.

AikenRacer wrote:
In towing my 2016 Silverado behind the motorhome, I have been leaving the tranny in D after disconnecting the battery. The owner's manual is a little unclear on whether to leave it in Park or Drive. Just wondering what others leave their tranny set in after disconnecting the negative battery cable. I am trying to type up a simple checklist to go by. Has anyone done this already?? Thanks!

Just looking at the 16 dingy towing guide, which obviously comes from all the owners manuals. It's very unclear as you say and can't make much sense out of it, at all, unless they're talking about having the tranny in 4 x 4 low and with the transfer case in neutral.
Really like the 2014 and up, F-150 with their setup for towing and sounds like it's even easier than our Wrangler. I have an 03 150, since 04 but it's not a 4 x 4 and even if, there's a lot more to it, including speed restrictions and not that we drive all that fast, anyway.
Researching the Ford, I notice that with the towing upgrade in simplicity for the 14 model, it's also the last year for the steel body, which some may still prefer.
Having said all this, it's mind boggling to me, with how much these PU's cost these days and even though, I never buy new.