Question on towing a Chevy Spark

[mcr1010]

If any Spark toads out there, I have a question. Some info on web says to tow with the neg. battery terminal disconnected. Some with or without key in switch and switch in Accessory position, etc.
Would like to know how you tow concerning the electrical.
TIA

[petefoss]

What does the owners manual say? Every GM vehicle has specific dos and don'ts spelled out in detail in the manual. For many vehicles it depends on the year, transmission, etc.

[JamieGeek]

From the 2014 Chevy Spark owner's manual (page 10-68):
(If you have an automatic transmission, towing four down)

Vehicles with an automatic
transmission should not be towed
with all four wheels on the ground.
If the vehicle must be towed, a dolly
should be used. See "Dolly Towing"
later in this section.

If you have a manual transmission:

To dinghy tow the vehicle from the
front with all four wheels on the
ground:
1. Position the vehicle to tow and
then secure it to the towing
vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission to Neutral.
3. Turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY.

Dolly towing:

To tow the vehicle with the two rear
wheels on the ground and the front
wheels on a dolly:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Shift the automatic transmission
into P (Park) or a manual
transmission into 1 (First) gear.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a
straight-ahead position with a
clamping device designed for
towing.
5. Remove the key from the
ignition.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
7. Release the parking brake.

[mcr1010]

I'm second owner of a 2014 and I understand that each year was different concerning the ign. switch position etc. GM came out with a bulletin to remove the neg. battery terminal when towing. Looks like I need another knife switch.
Thanks for the info

[Stevenb2560]

We just purchased a 2019 Chevy Spark. GM has modified the procedure for towing the vehicle for this model year.
-Vehicle in neutral ( standard shift model only)
-Remove key, there is no column lock and steering wheel turns all the way.
-Disconnect negative battery terminal.
That’s it, very simple.
I installed a negative terminal quick disconnect so there is no wrenches needed.

It only takes 5 minutes to hook up the tow bar, brakes, safety cables and prepare Sparky to tow.


Steven B.
2017 ACE 30.3
Ready Brute tow bar/surge brake
2019 Chevy Spark toad
S/W Florida

[taylorbob1]

Just purchased a new 2020 Spark to use as a dual purpose city car and TOAD.
Got a great buy at $13,888 on a loaded vehicle with 10 airbags that gets 35mpg

Ordered and DIY installed the Blue Ox-BX1725 baseplate from Amazon. Got a great price vs all other retailers.

I'll use the BX7322 Adventurer tow bar, also an Amazon purchase.

Not sure yet about a brake system. That is, at 2200 pounds it's less than most utility trailers. So I'm a bit on the fence as I've talked with other RV owners who tow vehicles much heavier without a break system.

I'll keep you posted...

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by taylorbob1

Just purchased a new 2020 Spark to use as a dual purpose city car and TOAD.
Got a great buy at $13,888 on a loaded vehicle with 10 airbags that gets 35mpg

Ordered and DIY installed the Blue Ox-BX1725 baseplate from Amazon. Got a great price vs all other retailers.

I'll use the BX7322 Adventurer tow bar, also an Amazon purchase.

Not sure yet about a brake system. That is, at 2200 pounds it's less than most utility trailers. So I'm a bit on the fence as I've talked with other RV owners who tow vehicles much heavier without a break system.

I'll keep you posted...

I did a self-install on my Sonic of the Roadmaster baseplate and I use a Reese "adjustable" tow bar that cost about a third of your BX7322. At 2700 lbs I have not added an aux braking system yet but before we head out over the mountains I will.

You will love the Spark as a toad and DD - my DIL has one (CVT so not flat towable). We love the Sonic as a toad - plenty of room to carry extra stuff and I have a hitch on it for a cargo carrier for even more stuff if necessary. Most of the time you wouldn't know it was back there. With a little practice you will be able to hitch to the RV in a couple of minutes and unhitch even quicker.

I have over 86K miles accumulated on my Sonic and probably another 20K towing - still have the OEM rear tires, changed the front at 60K miles. I don't rotate as often as I should. I expect to get well over 200K accumulated miles on the Sonic.