Forum Discussion

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

DougE
Explorer
Mar 06, 2016
Be advised the Colorado's and Canyon's come with switched power to the lighter sockets. You have to shift a fuse to have direct battery power on them. How about clips directly to the battery for power? I suspect GMC wants the battery disconnected from the system to avoid voltage spikes.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Mar 06, 2016
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
Seamutt
Explorer
Mar 06, 2016
Why does the battery have to be disconnected?
donn0128
Explorer II
Mar 06, 2016
How about a dedicated power cord from your MH to the toad? Or, how about adding a knife disconnect switch to the positive side of the battery then adding a dedicated wire from battery plus to brake acutactor. Either would be easy to do and relatively cheap.