2018 equinox

[pappy18pa]

Anybody towing any of the new front wheel drive equinox varieties? Read the manual did with the manual said three times battery would stead in a short time. I see people run a charge line from the motorhome to the car. Don't like that idea. As a result I just pull the negative terminal off the car till I get where I'm going. Anyone else doing this?

[16ACE27]

I don't see anything in your Owners Manual about the battery being dead in a short time under Recreational vehicle Towing. Generally, the body Control Module (BCM) will turn everything off after about 10 or 20 minutes anyway. Have you tested that? Does the Equinox have a steering wheel lock? If not, there's no need to leave the key in the ACC position.
Most Chevy's have you remove the DLIS fuse while flat towing. I surprised not to see tha in the instructions.

[pappy18pa]

Equinox has no key or steering lock.when shut off in park. Complete shut down. When towing in neutral, computer etc still running and drains battery.

[MJC62]

Doesn't Chevrolet tell you start the car every morning and every gas stop when flat towing?

[pappy18pa]

Battery was fully charged started the vehicle several times but in the course of towing for 150 miles or so went to start car and it was dead. As I said earlier my solution was and is disconnected negative terminal on the car.

[MJC62]

Having to disconnect the negative battery terminal everytime you tow has to suck. Don't you lose all your presets? radio, seats, mirrors etc. There has to be an easier solution. My brother tows an equinox not sure the year, but I believe he has to pull a fuse as well as starting the car a couple times day, which I believe is to lubricate the trans. If you disconnect the battery that becomes a very big chore to do

[pappy18pa]

You are correct. The older model does have you pull a fuse. Never had this problem with my2012 terrain. When in neutral there is a big current draw. Pulling the negative terminal is easier than a dead battery. Hope Gm comes up with an answer.

[16ACE27]

Well, if disconnecting the battery is the solution I would install a remote battery disconnect like this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N8IR5E/

That's what we use in our Colorado which DOES require the battery to be disconnected due to it's electrical assist power steering.

And no, you don't loose all "your presets? radio, seats, mirrors etc.".

[wrapped]

I also use a disconnect solenoid kit from roadmaster on positive terminal and hid the button in driverside front wheelwell so I can't accidentally lock myself out.

[chunker21]

Originally Posted by pappy18pa

Anybody towing any of the new front wheel drive equinox varieties? Read the manual did with the manual said three times battery would stead in a short time. I see people run a charge line from the motorhome to the car. Don't like that idea. As a result I just pull the negative terminal off the car till I get where I'm going. Anyone else doing this?

Why don't you like that idea? Also what auxiliary brake system are you using? Many require power from the towed vehicle by plugging into the towed vehicle 12v plug which can lead to battery drain. A towed vehicle charge line keeps the towed battery charged.

[JohnK]

I used to pull a 2 AMP fuse after everything was hooked up and in neutral and brake ooff, also turn off the ventilation system and radio. I made a jumper with a fuse in-line and a switch, now I just flip the switch when ready. It also makes a great car theft deterrent since the car will not start.

[wislionsfan]

We had the same issue. We were stopping every 2 hours and starting the car. If I made it to 3 hours more often than not wouldn't start. The 1st time we used We drained it so bad that couldn't even get in car to start was so dead. We did get in from behind the door handle. Wr solved it and now have no issues by the use of a trickle charger. It cost less than $100.00 to fix at a local mechanic. I now no longer worry about the car starting.