Why Do I Need To Disconnect My Battery When Flat Towing A 2024 GMC Canyon

Updated 04/23/2026 | Published 10/23/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Off-Road Bumper Adapters for Blue Ox Motorhome Mounted Tow Bars - 7/8" D-Rings

(280)

$139.60

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

(440)

$215.40

Question:

Why do I need to disconnect my battery on my 24 GMC canyon when flat towing behind my motorhome?

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

Hello Steve, thanks for reaching out. The battery must be disconnected when flat towing a 2024 GMC Canyon behind a motorhome because GMC say so in the Canyon owners manual. Generally speaking, when the owners manual calls for the battery to be disconnected it is because certain features need to be disabled so they don't draw power from the vehicles battery and drain it while towing. If you need to know exactly which features that is then you would need to contact your local dealer as I would not be able to say for certain what those features are. I also cannot recommend going against the owner's manual in any way which includes not disconnecting the battery.

For your 2024 GMC Canyon the correct battery disconnect is the following:

- Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only # RM-766

Keep in mind that some models have more than one battery and one disconnect is needed for each starting battery. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.

expert reply by: Jesse M

John H.

1/28/2025

Hey Jesse The manual states to remove the negative cable, should it matter which cable is removed... John H

Jesse M.

1/28/2025

@JohnH Yes it does matter. The battery disconnect installs to the positive side of the battery. Even on vehicles that state to disconnect the negative cable. The reason is because if you use the disconnect on the negative side you'll lose your towed vehicle's main ground to the chassis.

John H.

1/28/2025

@JesseM Thanks for the clarification Jesse.. John H

Jesse M.

1/28/2025

@JohnH Of course! Come back anytime you need anything.

See All (5) Replies to John H. ∨

Michael G.

4/22/2026

If you don’t disconnect the E brake will come on. I have a 2024 Canyon. I couldn’t find anywhere in the manual that said so but found it out after having the flat tow installed.

Jesse M.

4/23/2026

@MichaelG Ah yea that makes sense why the disconnect is required then. Thanks for the tip!

Michael G.

4/23/2026

@JesseM I found out the hard way. Luckily I was living close to E trailer in Wentzville and they did the install. I picked it up at closing on a Friday. The installers had gone home. One of the other employees saw me and called one of the installers and he came back and installed a manual disconnect. I returned when they were able to schedule me and had the push button disconnect installed.