How to Set Up a 2017 GMC 1500 Sierra for Flat Towing Behind an RV

Updated 10/28/2024 | Published 06/30/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(5188)

$461.48

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1457)

$47.02

Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only

(434)

$217.90

12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps

(408)

$43.62

Question:

setting up a 2017 GMC 1500 Sierra I need a step by step set up for the above vehicle utilizing Blue ox tow bar and the patriot braking system. Im told by salesman to set up by putting the trans in N then put xfer case in N then put trans in park and pull fuse and leave key in acc position. But never said what fuse or where it is located. Im totally confused.

asked by: Barry M

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you already have the parts and just need to know the process of preparing the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 for flat towing.

To start only 4-wheel drive models that have a two-speed transfer case with neutral and Four-Wheel Drive Low setting can be flat towed. For those vehicles you will:

1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle, facing forward and on a level surface.
2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Apply the parking brake and start the engine.
4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). Check that the vehicle is in N (Neutral) by shifting the transmission to R (Reverse) and then to D (Drive). There should be no movement of the vehicle while shifting.
5. Turn the engine off.
6. 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.
7. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
8. Move the steering wheel to make sure the steering column is unlocked.
9. With a foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake. Keep the ignition key in the towed vehicle in ACC/ACCESSORY to prevent the steering column from locking.

There is no fuse that has to be pulled. The above information is actually in the recreational towing section of the owner's manual. When using the Blue Ox Patriot it is recommended to install a 12 volt outlet kit # RM-9332 since the battery has to be connected to flat tow the truck.

I know that GM says to disconnect the negative battery cable but in order to use an automatic battery disconnect, # RM-766, which is recommended it will need to be installed on the positive battery terminal. Roadmaster has tested this and everything works fine when disconnecting the positive rather than the negative.

With the above battery disconnect installed you can add charge line # RM-156-25 to provide a maintenance charge to the Sierra's battery while you tow it. You may need some additional parts for this though so I would need to know what lighting system you are using.

expert reply by: Michael H

John

10/27/2024

Why do you have to disconnect the negative battery post?

Jesse M.

10/28/2024

@John Because GM says to. Generally speaking when the owners manual calls for the battery to be disconnected it is to prevent certain components from draining the battery when towing.