2017 Malibu Dingy

[Branson_N_Tucso]

Wanting to purchase a 2017 Malibu to tow 4 down. I know several fuses have to be pulled, from keeping the battery being drain. Is this a big problem. What other issues do you encounter ? Was also told that the space was very limited to put a battery cut off switch in.

[JohnnyT]

Moved from class A forum.

[drifterpilot]

I currently tow 4-flat my 2017 Malibu with the 1.5 engine.

You cannot tow 4-flat the Malibu Premier 2.0.

I had to install an additional interior 12V socket wired directly off my battery to power my Brake Buddy as the factory-installed 12V outlets have no power to them 10 minutes after the engine is shut off.

I also had to make up an LED light bar to place in my rear window deck to indicate turn signals, brake lights and running lights. This light bar is powered direct from the electrical cable from the motorhome. The reason for the light bar creation is that the tail lights on the Malibu are LED and splicing into the tail light wiring could create electrical problems and could possibly void your warranty. I can email a picture of the light bar upon request.

Lastly, I do have a disconnect switch installed to preclude pulling the fuse.

So far, so good.
Feel free to PM me or send email to: drifterpilot@cox.net

[bagman]

The Chevy Equinox is flat towable!

[Jones1]

I tow a '15 Malibu and have to remove three fuses. Blue Ox made a bypass kit for my '09 Malibu, I don't know about the '15 model. Check the owners manual for towing instructions some dealers don't know. My '15 Tows very good.

[bullydogs1]

Jeeps (not the Wrangler) have had issues too with the electric steering requiring a harness modification...I'll stick with my Saturn VUE....thing tows beautifully and it is not electronically overdone.

[DSDP_Don]

Many of the new GM vehicles have you disconnect the battery for a reason. It's not all about the battery going dead from things being left on. It's also about the new generation of electric steering. When the battery is left connected, the electric steering stays active and can fight against being towed, ruining the steering. Many of us bought the newly restyled Chevrolet Colorado and GM Canyon pickups when they came out in 2015. They're towable, but require that the battery be disconnected. Many have tried to figure out how to disconnect the power to the electric steering, but no luck and GM isn't saying anything.

[Popsie]

Near our home is a business called "Car Toys".

They specialize in putting audio, video, radar detectors, GPS, traffic cameras, etc. etc. in cars and trucks.

I'm sure there are other businesses that work in the same domain somewhere near where you live.

Car Toys or someone like them can relocate the critical fuses and control those circuits with a cut off switch.