Do Fuses Need to be Re-Installed at Each Stop When Flat Towing 2011 GMC Acadia

Updated 08/15/2019 | Published 08/14/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles - 50-Amp FMX Fuse

(350)

$140.24

Demco Excali-Bar III Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,500 lbs

(47)

$1098.00

Demco Classic Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

(269)

$565.12

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord

(3104)

$156.17

Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles - 20-Amp ATM Mini-Fuse

(350)

$87.56

Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional

(478)

$1329.00

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(734)

$1175.00

Question:

If I stop driving RV every 3-4 hours for rest stop and then start the Acadia to lube the trans would I really have to disconnect all the fuses for that 3-4 hours? Doesn't seem like battery would completely drain and the engine restart for the trans would recharge the battery. Looks like minimum dashboard lights come on when unlocking steering column. Im also looking at the RVi3 braking system which receives its power from vehicle but if fuses pulled will require additional battery power source battery on passenger seat floor board. Your thoughts about all this fuse pulling I keep reading about?

asked by: Jim S

Expert Reply:

You will need to follow the instructions of the owner's manual to properly flat tow your 2011 GMC Acadia without damaging it. I took a look for myself and it does say to run it at the start of the day and at each RV fuel stop, and the fuses do need to be re-installed when you do this. Removing the fuses will ensure the battery does not drain and there is unfortunately no way around this. While you are welcome to try leaving the fuses in, there is a much better option.

For your '11 Acadia you need the Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch # RM-76517 and Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass # RM76511 which will install in place of your fuses and you simply hit a switch to the "Drive" position when you need to start your car. This will give you a very easy way to connect and disconnect the fuses as opposed to doing it manually, which I agree, would be a real pain. I have added a link to a video review of these for you to check out.

If you need the other parts to flat tow your 2011 Acadia, I recommend the following:

- Base Plate Kit: Demco Classic Base Plate Kit # DM9518214
- Tow Bar: Demco Excali-Bar III Non-Binding Tow Bar # DM9511013
- Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267
- Supplemental Braking System: SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251
OR
- If your motor home has air brakes: SMI Air Force One Supplemental Braking System for Motor Homes with Air Brakes # SM99243