GM onstar car connect questions

trailertraveler wrote:
We just got a Silverado with the GM hotspot. I have connected to it from the trailer using my Ubiquiti Nanostation connected to either the laptop or a Wifi Ranger Go2 and then two laptops connected to the Go2 by Ethernet. The speed was better than what I generally see with my Verizon phone tethered to the Go2.

On my Silverado, with the key out of the ignition, if I push the on button on the radio, the internet connection/Wifi will come on along with the radio. I can mute the radio, but have not figured how to turn it off and leave the internet/Wifi on. Is this possible? I also am not sure how long it will stay on as the longest I have tried so far is about 20 minutes.

The hot wire in the GM 7 pin connector stays hot when the ignition is off. I have read several discussions about trailers drawing down the tow vehicle battery if the trailer is left connected when not plugged into shore power. I am wondering if the reverse would be true that the trailer's charger would keep the tow vehicle battery charged when plugged into shore power while using the hotspot? I am aware of the issues involved with the tow vehicle charging the trailer batteries while underway that are related to wire size and length of run. I have no idea how much the hotspot draws.

Any comments and experiences would be greatly appreciated.

here is the way to get the WIFI to run for about 15 or 20 minutes and not have the key in the ignition or have many accy draining the battery.

1) get in the passenger side of the car. THIS IS IMPORTANT. DO NOT USE THE DRIVERS SIDE.
2) put key in ignition, turn to position 2, onstar will come on, wifi will come on. make sure you are connected.
3) take key out of ignition and get out the PASSENGER DOOR.
4) close (and lock if you want) the vehicle.

you will have wifi for around 15 minutes before it does an auto shutdown of the vehicle.

THIS WILL NOT WORK IF YOU USE THE DRIVERS DOOR. Once the key is removed if you open the drivers door, everything turns off.

If you want to run longer I think the only way is to leave the key in the ignition in the accy position.

As for charging the truck battery from the RV I believe it will work. the pin on the trailer plug just connects the truck battery(s) to the trailer battery. if the trailer battery is being charged so is the truck. On the diesels the pin is always hot.

Now, this is IIRC ONLY on the diesel. on a gas GM, IIRC power is only to the trailer plug when the engine is running or if you have the dual battery option with a gas engine.