Troubleshooting Battery Drain While Flat Towing A 2016 Chevy Equinox

Updated 06/17/2024 | Published 06/06/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Circuit Breaker - 30 Amp - Perpendicular Mount Bracket - Cycling Auto Reset - Plastic - Type I

(11)

$6.30

Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display

(3)

$21.34

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1328)

$40.90

Question:

I have a one of these on my car right now it is a 20 amp Circuit Breaker. I have this on my 2016 chevy Equinox. It has work find sense 2016 now last year I have had a problem with the battery being discharged when I get to my stopping point maybe 4 to 6 hours down the road. This is hooked from the Motor Home to the tow car. The problem started last year when I found out the fuse that GM said to pull was not the correct one to pull anymore. You were suppose to leave it in a pull a different one now. I have done this and the problem of the death wobble that I was having has stopped. But now my battery is not getting charged. So the question I have is maybe the 20 amp Circuit Breaker has gone bad. I does the 2016 Chevy Equinox requiring more power and is tripping the Circuit Breaker. I have of course checked the wiring and it seems like the connection are still okay between the Motor Home and the Tow car. The Plug is okay even the current Breaker shows that it has connection. But something is keeping it from charging. Have you heard of this on the Chevy Equinox. Or the Equinox taking more power now with this fuse change? Thanks, Bruce Samson

asked by: Bruce S

Expert Reply:

Hey Bruce,

Is the circuit breaker in line with a charge line or is it going to something else? Charge lines aren't factory and would've needed to be installed when setting your Equinox up to flat tow. You can check the circuit breaker by checking the voltage on each prong with a multimeter # PT89ZR. If you're only getting voltage on one side then it's tripped and needs to be reset or bad and needs to be replaced.

It looks like on the tech bulletin about the change in which fuses to pull they do say that you'll need a charge line kit installed going forward to avoid battery discharge so that's likely your culprit. If you don't have one installed then you can use the Roadmaster # RM-156-25.

expert reply by: Kevin C

GM Tech Note 17-NA-348
(click to enlarge)

Bruce S.

6/17/2024

Hello Kevin C, I don't know if this was a canned response computer generated or not. But to tell me I need a charge line from the motor home to the car is pretty funny. I think after reading my question. I just thought maybe you guy here more from people and might have heard of this problem and might have an idea. I

Kevin C.

6/17/2024

@BruceS GM's tech bulletin 17-NA-348 states that you need to install a charge line. I've attached a picture of the tech bulletin above and highlighted the section stating to connect to auxiliary power to prevent battery drain. Charge lines are very common in most flat towed vehicles.