Forum Discussion

cvbdsl's avatar
cvbdsl
Explorer
Mar 06, 2016

2016 Chev Colorado towing questions

I just purchased (deliver next week:B) a 2016 Colorado Z71 that I would eventually like to tow (currently use my 2013 Edge).

According to the owners manual, you have to disconnect the negative cable from the battery when towing so of course there is no power to any lights etc.

So my questions are:
1. I have a Blue Ox Patriot braking system that plugs into the lighter socket for power. Anyone have a suggestion how I can provide power just for the braking system?

2. I currently use magnetic lights on the rear of the Edge when towing, however with the Colorado (just first impressions) there seems no place to mount them (there is a tonneau cover on the box).
Any easy alternative suggestions?

3. Also planning to put the Blue Ox base plate on myself (have done it on my last two toads). Has anyone done this and have any comments on ease/difficulty etc?

thanks

Chris

14 Replies

  • clnhse's avatar
    clnhse
    Explorer
    Mar 11, 2016
    I have a 2016 set up to tow. I am using M&G for the brakes and I use separate bulbs for rear lights. I have seen several vehicles in my shop using diodes for the tail lights and they cause problems. I am sure some people on these forums will say they have never had problems but when we sell these systems we will not tap into the factory lights. We disconnect the wires going to the key switch to disable the power with a toggle switch. My 2010 was much easier to tow.
  • TimLoon's avatar
    TimLoon
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2016
    A few more thoughts. My Brake Buddy of 11 years is getting tired so I am moving to the RV1 based on feedback from users. Really looking forward to the lower profile. I too have two Toads so want a system I can move between.
    On the lights, I am buying one of the Diode setups that plug directly into the wiring harness. A few dollars more but way better than splicing existing wiring.
  • TimLoon's avatar
    TimLoon
    Explorer
    Mar 09, 2016
    Lots of good info here:
    http://www.irv2.com/forums/f85/colorado-canyon-221070.html
    Currently setting up my 2016 Colorado. Battery disconnect is critical to protect the electrically assisted power steering. Also pay very close attention to the instructions for preparing the vehicle for RV towing. My truck goes right into neutral with out any issues.Tim
  • cvbdsl's avatar
    cvbdsl
    Explorer
    Mar 08, 2016
    Ok, just a thought here, would I risk blowing a fuse if I took 12 volts from the plug on the MH ( I assume there is one pin with steady 12 volts) split the line and also used the same connector for the lights on the toad?

    With both active at the same time (whenever slowing/stopping) I think the load might be too high?

    Thanks

    Chris
  • cvbdsl's avatar
    cvbdsl
    Explorer
    Mar 07, 2016
    Bumpyroad wrote:
    I used a brake buddy and plugged it into a small jumper/starter battery jobby that I wanted to have along anyways. left battery connected but didn't want to run it down. I didn't want to mess with another wire coming back from the MH.
    bumpy


    That may be an idea, there are several on the market now, as long as it would provide the power for 5-6 hours. Even then if it runs down I get a warning on the remote in the MH (ask me how I know - dead battery on the Edge when not run for a couple of days of towing!).

    thanks

    Chris
  • cvbdsl's avatar
    cvbdsl
    Explorer
    Mar 07, 2016
    rjstractor wrote:
    Just my 2 cents I would invest in a braking system that didn't use electricity at all- either a Ready Brake or an air actuated system. With a air brake coach like yours I'd go for an air actuated system. More money since you already own the brake box but it would eliminate the issue of powering it.

    For the lights, will it work if you stick them to the sides of the bed?


    Ok, theoretically I have two toads (my 2013 Edge and now my 2016 Colorado -previously also had two vehicles that could be towed four-down)) and want to be able to use either one, that's why I invested in the Patriot system, easy to transfer. I never thought that I couldn't power it due to a battery disconnect.

    I'm not sure the lights would stick to the sides of the bed, even sitting on top with rough roads they sometimes swivel on the top of the Edge, so I assume gravity would pull them down if on the sides of the bed on the truck. I did think of maybe putting metal plates under the vinyl tonneau cover (hold them in place by hand and then put the magnetic light on top of the cover) but am afraid this may wear the cover.

    Thanks
  • rjstractor's avatar
    rjstractor
    Nomad
    Mar 07, 2016
    Bumpyroad wrote:
    he already owns a braking system and just needs to power it with 12 volts, available from any $30 jump start device, which is handy to have along anyhow, and you want him to spend $$$$$$ on a new system?
    bumpy


    I don't want him to do anything, just telling him what I would do. If I had a new $40,000 toad and a coach worth $100,000+ I would buy the best, most effective braking system even if I had to spend an additional $1000 or so.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Mar 07, 2016
    rjstractor wrote:
    Just my 2 cents I would invest in a braking system that didn't use electricity at all- either a Ready Brake or an air actuated system. With a air brake coach like yours I'd go for an air actuated system. More money since you already own the brake box but it would eliminate the issue of powering it.

    For the lights, will it work if you stick them to the sides of the bed?


    he already owns a braking system and just needs to power it with 12 volts, available from any $30 jump start device, which is handy to have along anyhow, and you want him to spend $$$$$$ on a new system?
    bumpy
  • rjstractor's avatar
    rjstractor
    Nomad
    Mar 07, 2016
    Just my 2 cents I would invest in a braking system that didn't use electricity at all- either a Ready Brake or an air actuated system. With a air brake coach like yours I'd go for an air actuated system. More money since you already own the brake box but it would eliminate the issue of powering it.

    For the lights, will it work if you stick them to the sides of the bed?
  • cvbdsl's avatar
    cvbdsl
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2016
    Seamutt wrote:
    Why does the battery have to be disconnected?


    Don't know, but the owner's manual is quite clear on this for recreational towing. Right from the manual below.

    "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"


    Chris

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