Why Disconnect Battery to Flat Tow Vehicle Behind Motorhome
Question:
2019 Chevy Spark manual transmission. Why do I need to unplug - battery cable when towing behind RV?
asked by: Dave L
Expert Reply:
GM states in the owner's manual that to recreationally tow the vehicle, the negative battery cable must be disconnected. The owner's manual doesn't list a specific reason, it only states that failure to do so could damage the vehicle. The fact that the key needs to be left in the Accessory position while towing so the steering wheel doesn't lock up gives me a pretty good idea that with the key in the ACC position, there must still be an electrical draw on the battery. Disconnecting the battery prevents the battery from going dead while the vehicle's being flat towed.
Roadmaster offers a disconnect with switch, part # RM-766 that lets you easily disable the battery ground circuit without physically needing to disconnect it. It'll also keep the battery charged as you're rolling down the road.
If order to flat tow your Spark, you'll need base plates like # RM-523197-5 for an LS model or # RM-523202-5 for an LT model , a tow bar like the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain # RM-522, safety cables # RM-643, a wiring solution # RM26FR, a supplemental braking system like # RM-8700 and a # RM-751480 stop light switch kit and possibly a high/low adapter. When installed, the base plates will sit approximately 14 inches above the ground. If your hitch receiver height on the motorhome has more than a 3 inch plus or minus height difference you'll need a high/low adapter to bring it within that range. I'll link you to our adapter selection.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Falcon All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
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Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
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- Roadmaster
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RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
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- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
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Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only
- Accessories and Parts
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Battery Disconnect
- Roadmaster
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Roadmaster InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Pre-Set System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
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Roadmaster Smart Diode Kit for Variable Voltage Incandescent Tail Lights - 7-to-6-Way Adapter Cord
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Roadmaster
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 300 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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