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Electrical Components Required For Flat Towing A 2016 GMC Canyon  

Question:

Hi, Im planning to install the Demco Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System in my 2016 GMC Canyon. I understand that I need the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect but I have these questions: 1. Why does the battery need to be disconnected while towing? 2. I tow long distances non-stop full days cross-county = 600- 700 miles per day, do I need to install a battery charge line to ensure the battery has enough juice to operate the brakes effectively? 3. Do I need to leave the keys in the ignition to disable the steering lock? Perhaps this is the reason the battery must be disconnected? 4. I believe I need this kit to wire the signal and brake lights RM-15267, but do I need the Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit too: RM-88400 ? Thanks!

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Expert Reply:

GM requires you to disconnect the battery to prevent damage to any of the electrical components while flat towing your 2016 GMC Canyon. Failure to do so would place all liability for damaged components solely on you. I recommend installing the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Supplemental Braking System # RM-766 to make disconnecting the battery as easy as flipping a switch.

Since you'll be travelling quite a distance I do recommend installing a charge line kit to keep your vehicle's battery charged and prevent you from arriving at your destination and then having to deal with a dead battery. You can use the BrakeBuddy Towed Vehicle Battery Charge Kit # BB54FR to pull up to 15 amps from your RV's battery to your vehicle's battery. The charge line kit will need to be connected to the center pin of the 6-way on your vehicle.

You are going to need to keep the key in the ignition in the ACC/ACCESSORY position to prevent the steering column from locking while towing.

The Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 is a great choice to use your GMC Canyon's tail lights and wiring system while preventing feedback from your RV. Since you'll be using a supplemental brake system ( # SM99251) you will possibly need the Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-88400. You'll need to go through the following steps to know for sure:

Are you using a supplemental braking system that depresses the brake pedal in your towed car?
No - You do not need a brake light relay.
Yes - You may need a brake light relay. Continue on to the next question.

Do the brake lights on your towed car illuminate while the engine is off?
No - You do not need a brake light relay.
Yes - You may need a brake light relay. Continue on to the next question.

Do your towed car's brake lights act as both the brake signals and the turn signals?
No - You may need a brake light relay. Continue on to the next question.
Yes - Your towed car has a combined lighting system. You will need a brake light relay to ensure proper activation of its signal lights.

Does your towed car have separate brake lights and turn signals?
No - Your towed car has a combined lighting system. You will need a brake light relay.
Yes - Your towed car has a separate lighting system. You may need a brake light relay. Continue on to the next question.

Are you wiring your vehicle with a six-diode kit or a TowDaddy custom wiring harness?
No - You will need a brake light relay to ensure proper activation of your towed car's signal lights.
Yes - You do not need a brake light relay.

expert reply by:
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Kevin C

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