Why Do I Need to Disconnect the Battery to Flat Tow a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4?

Published 01/14/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3468)

$575.00

etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate - RV Mount - 10,500 lbs

(203)

$1016.80

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

(3357)

$186.34

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit

(659)

$44.57

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

(400)

$205.90

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

(534)

$1399.00

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

(791)

$1245.50

Question:

Why does the battery need to be disconnected for flat-towing a 2022 Sierra AT4? Can you just run a charge line instead from the center terminal of the 6pin connector instead? Also, I read in another answer somewhere that trimming of some parts is required. Though it seems like the base plates and draw bars simply protrude through the opening where the tow hooks were.

asked by: Mark L

Expert Reply:

The electric parking brake could activate while you are flat towing. That's why they tell you to disconnect the battery. The process is covered on page 419 in your owner's manual.

On the AT4 model you won't have to worry about trimming or cutting. You are correct the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit item # RM-523198-5 sticks out the same place as the tow hooks do.

Here are the other parts you will need to flat tow your 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4:

Tow Bar and Safety Chains - etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar item # e84ZR

Wiring Harness - Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit item # RM-15267

Battery Disconnect Switch - Roadmaster Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle item # RM-766

Supplemental Braking System - SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System item # SM99251 or item # SM99243 if your motorhome has air brakes

Brake Light Switch - Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit item # RM-751495

High Low Adapter - The tow bar needs to be within 3" of level. If you measure the height of the inside top of the hitch receiver tube on your RV, and the height difference is more than 3 inches above/below the base plate tab height, you'll need a high/low adapter. I have linked a FAQ article that explains all this in more detail along with our selection of adapters.