Battery Cable Removal for Flat Towing a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and Using a Braking System
Question:
What do I need to tow my 2015 Colorado with 4 wheel drive behind my motorhome without air brakes?
asked by: Jim
Expert Reply:
I can help you with getting your 2015 Chevy Colorado ready to flat tow behind your motorhome.
There are several items that we will need to prepare both vehicles and then a few to connect them together, but I can walk you through the proper steps.
First item we need for the Colorado is base plates and Blue Ox offers a custom fit set # BLU93FR. Base plates allow for the car to connect to a tow bar and be towed behind the motorhome and then disconnect when you arrive at your destination.
Second, we need a tow bar to tow the car with behind the Motorhome. I recommend Blue Ox # BX7420 because it is easy to use, includes the safety cables, and has a 10,000 pounds capacity.
Next to prepare your vehicle for safe towing you will want to wire it up so that we have power to the towed vehicle that will keep the brake lights working and the braking system alert. Roadmaster # RM-152 is a universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit that will safely run power from the motorhome to your tow vehicle. Also the Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay # RM-88400 will allow for your towed vehicles turn signals to operate separately from the brake light which is required in most states.
The next item you will need is a braking system like the SMI Stay-IN-Play Duo # SM99251. This proportional braking system with inertia sensor is one that will never have to be removed, replaced, or reset. It will function automatically when you are ready to tow again with the flip of a switch once the vehicles wiring is hitched to RV. I have linked a video of this being installed on a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado to show you how easy it is.
To connect the power of the motorhome to the tow vehicle, you will need a wiring umbilical. The most common connector on the motorhome will be a 7-way. I recommend the Blue Ox # BX88206, this 6 to 7 way will work great for you. There is a 6 round connector for you to wire up the towed vehicles wiring to, which will be easy to do. I've linked a video of this for you to see on a similar vehicle to yours.
(An important addition you may need is a High Low adapter because the tow bar has to be within 3 inches of level to pull safely. According to Blue Ox's instructions they state that the attachment tab height is at 23 inches, you will just want to measure from the ground to the hitch pin on your trailer hitch to determine which high low adapter you will need. I've attached a link to all our high low adapters for you convenience.
If you're interested in having added security, I recommend locking your car to your towbar and your towbar to your motorhome using Blue Ox's Base-Plate and Receiver Lock Kit # BX88177.
You will have to disconnect the battery cable when towing your truck, I recommend using the Deka Battery Terminal # DW05310-1. When removing the negative battery cable the chassis ground is lost so you will need to ground any Dinghy wiring, taillight wiring, braking system wiring or 12volt outlet kit wiring between the disconnect and the negative battery post.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 10000 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Base Plate, Tow Bar Receiver, and High-Low Adapter Lock Kit - Keyed Alike - Qty 4
- Accessories and Parts
- Base Plates
- Tow Bar
- Locks
- Keyed Alike
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox 7-Wire to 6-Wire, Coiled Electrical Cord
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Adapters
- 7 Round - Blade to 6 Round
- Coiled Cord
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Light Relay
- Roadmaster
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Battery Terminal - Positive - Red Epoxy-Coated - Brass-Plated Wing Nut - 3/8" Stud - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Battery Boxes
- Battery Terminals
- Terminals
- Deka
more information >
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