Getting A 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 With Keyless Access Ready To Flat Tow
Question:
Flat towing a 2021 Silverado 1500. How do I lock the doors without a key only the fob and get back inside to open the hood. And how do I unlock the steering wheel. Thank you
asked by: Charlie H
Expert Reply:
Even keyless entry fobs will have an small physical key that you can pop out of the fob and use the physically lock/unlock the doors. With the battery being disconnected the fob won't work for unlocking/locking the doors. I've copied the steps below in order to get your 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 with keyless entry ready to flat tow:
1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle, facing forward and on a level surface.
2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Apply the parking brake and start the engine.
4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral).
5. With the engine running, release the parking brake and verify that the transfer case is in N (Neutral) by shifting
the transmission to D (Drive) and then to R (Reverse). There should be no movement while shifting the transmission.
6. Shift the transmission to D (Drive).
7. If equipped with Keyless Access, turn the engine off. Disregard the Shift to P (Park) DIC message
8. Disconnect the negative (–) battery cable.
9. Shift the transmission to P (Park)
10. Move the steering wheel to make sure the steering column is unlocked.
11. To keep the steering column from locking with Keyless Access, keep the RKE transmitter outside of the vehicle and manually lock the doors. Access the vehicle by using the key in the door lock.
If you haven't already picked up all of your flat towing components then I have the following recommendations for you as well.
Baseplate: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-523199-5.
Tow Bar: etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate # e84ZR. This tow bar comes with safety cables included and the head/shank offers a bit of adjustability to help keep the tow bar level.
Tow Bar Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This diode kit will splice into the Silverado's wiring to display the motorhome's traffic signals through the tail lights of the Silverado.
Braking System: If your motorhome has hydraulic brakes then you'll want the Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251. This system taps into the cold side of the brake light switch, which isn't useable on your Silverado so you'll also need the Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751495 in order to get the braking signal. If it has air brakes you'll want the Demco Air Force One Supplemental Braking System # SM99243 instead.
Since you'll need to disconnect the battery I recommend installing the Roadmaster Battery Disconnect # RM-766 to make this process as easy as pressing a button.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate - RV Mount - 10,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 10500 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- etrailer
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Stop Light Switch
- Roadmaster
more information >
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 >
Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Demco
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
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Powering and Troubleshooting Blue Ox Patriot
- Q&A: Blule Ox Baseplate For A Diesel 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing Set Up For A 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD
- Q&A: Does Battery of 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Have to Disconnect to Flat Tow
- Q&A: Recommended Parts to Flat Tow 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500HD
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Q&A: Will the Curt Clevis Pin with Handle and Clip C45805 Fit Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow Bar for Blue Ox
- Q&A: Wiring Diagram And Orange Wire Connection for Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supplemental Braking System
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: The Definitive, Step-by-Step Flat Towing Setup Guide
- Article: What Is a Supplemental Braking System?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)