Tow Bar Wiring Recommendations for Flat Towing a 2011 Chevy Malibu 1LT with a 2010 Jayco Seneca
Question:
I will be pulling a 2011 4 cyl Chev Malibu 1LT with 2010 Jayco Seneca HD 35 GS 08 Kodiak 5500 diesel chassis. Is the diode wiring kit my only option besides magnetic mount lights? How much trouble/how reliable are the diodes? Can they be easily checked/replaced? New car dont want to fry computer or void warranty.
asked by: Rick
Expert Reply:
For tow bar wiring you basically have three options to choose from.
You can use the magnetic lights like you are familiar with, like a RoadMaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights, part # RM2120.
You can use a diode kit like the Tail Light Isolating Diode System, part # 38955, that you referenced. If you are looking for the highest quality diode kit on your 2011 Chevy Malibu you would want the Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit, part # RM-154.
Or you can use a bulb light kit like the RoadMaster Tail Light Wiring Kit with Bulbs, part # RM-155. To install this kit you will use a hole saw kit to drill a 1 inch hole in the back of your tail light housing and install another bulb into the tail light assembly and that bulb will operate the tail lights in conjunction with your tow vehicle. However, for your 2011 Chevy Malibu this method is not recommended.
I attached a link to an FAQ article on how to pick the right tow bar wiring setup.
Diode kits are fairly straightforward to install, and will not interfere with your factory wiring at all. What is great about diodes is that they prevent the tail light signal from feeding power back to the electrical system of your tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ for diode wiring for you to check out.
To replace a diode would be very simple as you would just simply unplug the female connectors from it and reinstall them onto the new diode.
To test them I would put a power source to one of the connectors on the in side of the diode and then ground the connector on the out side of the diode. Now, to test to see if power would feed back into your vehicle electrical system you would use a Multimeter, part # BTMT15, to test the unused connector of the diode to see if any power is coming out of the diode.
You will want to check with your vehicle manufacturer to see if any of the above mentioned products would void the warranty of your vehicle.
Finally, you will need to check with the manufacturer and/or your vehicle owners manual for instructions on the proper procedure for towing your vehicle because some vehicles must be equipped with a transmission lube pump, an axle disconnect, drive line disconnect, or free-wheeling hubs before they can be towed.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit with Bulbs
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Bulb and Socket Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tail Light Isolating Diode System with Wiring Harness
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Hopkins
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Roadmaster EZ Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2011 Chevy Malibu
- Video: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit Installation - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
- Search Results: bx8848
- Q&A: Why is RoadMaster Tail Light Wiring Kit # RM-155 Not Recommended For a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu LT
- Shop: Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Wire to 6-Wire Straight Cord
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors
- Video: Roadmaster Base Plate Installation - 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Q&A: Will Hopkins Rear View Camera with Backup Sensors HM60195VA Fit 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
- Q&A: Can I Use Both the 7-Way and 4-Way Connectors at the Same Time on a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado
- Shop: Hopkins Rear View Camera with Backup Sensors - 2-1/2" LCD
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Q&A: Is There a Way to Tow 2009 Ford Focus Automatic Transmission Behind Motorhome
- Q&A: Can 2019 Chevy Malibu be Flat Towed
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: tow bar
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Search Results: base plates
on Flat Tow Wiring Harness
