Battery Drain Issue When Flat-Towing 2012 Cadillac SRX Using Air Force One Supplemental Brake System
Updated 04/26/2016 | Published 04/22/2016
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I recently installed an Air Force one braking system on my car, including wiring that was needed. While towing the car from Florida to Pennsylvania, I experienced the battery going dead on two occasions. The Air Force One is completely dependent on the coach and has no draw on the towed vehicle. The battery in the car was replaced 2 months ago and checks out fine. What is causing the battery to go dead? No one seems to know.
asked by: Allen B
Helpful Expert Reply:
Ironically we just had the same issue with an SRX. The problem was that when installing the Air Force One # SM99243, one step was not done and caused the battery to go dead. When installing the unit in the SRX, the brake pedal has to be moved to the forward position closest tot he driver seat. If it is not, when the unit is installed and tries to adjust itself it applies just enough pressure to make the brake lights go on and run the battery down. It may be something not noticed with the driving but happens just the same.
I have attached the instructions from the # SM99243 installation instructions that explain how to deal with adjustable brakes on your vehicle.
Step 6: Mount the Cylinder
Special attention must be given to vehicles with adjustable pedals. Check for
proper clearance in all positions. When adjusting the cable, be sure that the pedals
are positioned closest to the driver’s seat. This will allow normal operation of the
adjustable pedals. Be sure to return the pedals closest to the driver’s seat when
preparing to tow, or the braking system will not function properly. As an option, the
pedals may be moved to the desired position and disabled. Do not depend on the
fact that “no one moves them.”
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only
- Accessories and Parts
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Battery Disconnect
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Demco Battery Disconnect Switch
- Video: Mount: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles on a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Video: Complete Repair Kit for Roadmaster Falcon 2 and BlackHawk Tow Bars: The Breakdown
- Video: Demco SBS Towed Vehicle Battery Charge Wire Kit Installation - 2023 Chevrolet Equinox
- Video: Review of the Replacement Foot Plate for Lippert Power Gear Hydraulic Jack
- Shop: Quick-Disconnect Padlocks for Roadmaster Tow Bars - Qty 2
- Q&A: Picking Out Replacement Landing Gear Foot for 2019 Fleetwood Discovery 38W
- Shop: Replacement Footpad Kit for Lippert Hydraulic RV Landing Gear - 12" Diameter
- Shop: Second Vehicle Kit for Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System
- Shop: Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Hybrid Adapter Cord
- Shop: Roadmaster Accessory Kit for BlackHawk 2 - Tail Light Wiring - 7-Way to 6-Way Cable - Safety Cables
- Shop: Replacement Passenger Side Arm Assembly for Roadmaster Blackhawk 2 All-Terrain Tow Bar
- Search Results: 9243~3
- Search Results: demco airforce one
- Search Results: charge kit
- Video: Install: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit on a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2023 Chevy Trailblazer
- Video: Checking Out the Curt Universal Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Video: Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect Installation - 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2025 GMC Canyon
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Can You Flat Tow a 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500?
- Q&A: Wiring Diagram For Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit RM-15267
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Q&A: How To Flat Tow A 2020 Chevy Colorado and Parts Needed to Flat Tow
- Article: Must-Have Flat Towing Components
- Article: We Used 34 RV Tow Bars, and These are the Best for Flat Towing
on Accessories and Parts
