Why Does Battery Need to be Disconnected to Flat Tow a 2020 GMC Canyon
Question:
I'm seeing that I need to disconnect my battery when I flat tow my 2020 Canyon. Why is this needed? I'm guessing to keep the battery from going dead? What happens if I forget to disconnect it? Just not happy about the fact that I'll have to reset everything on the radio when I'm done towing.
asked by: Theo
Expert Reply:
What you are seeing is correct, and you are right about the reasoning behind it. Since the key must stay in the ACCESSORY mode to keep the steering wheel from locking up, this means that there are some components that can drain your battery over the course of time while you are flat towing. If you were to forget to disconnect it then you would simply have a dead battery once you arrive at your destination (if it's far enough away).
While I don't have a solution for retaining your radio settings, we do have the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect with Switch # RM-766 which makes it very easy to disconnect your battery. Simply press the switch and your battery is disconnected. No need to worry about damaging any cables or figuring out how to secure them. We actually have an installation video of this kit being installed on a 2020 Canyon that you can check out.
I recommend making a checklist of the different steps you need to take for flat towing so that you can remember to disconnect the battery (or flip the switch!) and any other little things that may need to be done. To help put your mind at ease though you can also purchase a jump starter like the NOCO # 329-GB20 so that bringing your GMC Canyon back to life is much easier since you don't have to make sure you have long enough jumper cables to reach the "jump starting" battery.
For a complete flat towing setup you also need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. If you do not have all of these components just let me know and I can make some additional recommendations for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
NOCO Genius Boost Sport Jump Starter - LED Work Light - 12V - 400 Amp
- Jump Starters and Jumper Cables
- Jump Starters
- Lithium
- 1 - 50 Watt Hours
- Device Charger
- NOCO
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Auto Battery Disconnect
- Roadmaster
more information >
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