Chevy Colorado as a TOAD

[“Grover” Cleveland]

Somewhat off topic but, how do you like your Colorado for towing? I currently use a Honda CRV but I’m thinking of using a vehicle that I can just disconnect the transfer case. I have always been partial to Chevrolet.

 

[Neal]

The Colorado is a great TOAD but it's a little small for "pickup" functionality. I like it, great to drive and very comfortable.

 

[osuallen]

I drive a GMC Canyon and would offer the same as Neal.

 

[Siddo]

I have a GMC Canyon Toad... 2016, Diesel

Works well, no complaints. I've seen some concerns of complexity to prepare for towing... Maybe compared to jeep, but nothing that complex.

Using the Ready Brute Elite, Blue Ox baseplate, Perko Battery Disconnect (diesel requires higher amp connection)

Previously used the green knob battery disconnect but had issues of random non-connectivity.

Nice truck, makes a great TOAD!

 

[NWIP]

We have towed our Colorado some 55k miles and driven it 90k+ Have thought about upgrading to full size but can’t stomach the cost. Only downside to Colorado is the size but not an issue for some

 

[Rustymayes]

I just looked into flat towing my 2018 Canyon Denali but it seems that I do not have a Neutral position on the panel control knob. I have 4WD controls, 2WD, auto 4, 4wd High and 4wd low. I don't know why I don't have a neutral position. The knob has an N embossed on it just not painted white and no detent either. I wonder if mine can be modified or will I be out of luck and need to trade it for a towable version? Posting the same question with the GMC forum group.

 

[osuallen]

I just looked into flat towing my 2018 Canyon Denali but it seems that I do not have a Neutral position on the panel control knob. I have 4WD controls, 2WD, auto 4, 4wd High and 4wd low. I don't know why I don't have a neutral position. The knob has an N embossed on it just not painted white and no detent either. I wonder if mine can be modified or will I be out of luck and need to trade it for a towable version? Posting the same question with the GMC forum group.

"N" is not a "permanent" position. There is a several step process to put into neutral. Read you owners manual. I printed out the steps to put it into and out of tow mode, put it in a plastic sleeve and keep it in my glove box.

 

[Rustymayes]

"N" is not a "permanent" position. There is a several step process to put into neutral. Read you owners manual. I printed out the steps to put it into and out of tow mode, put it in a plastic sleeve and keep it in my glove box.

I just went back and read the full instructions in my OM. They left out the pat your head while rubbing your belly and jumping up and down on one leg part Thank you. I am going to go thru the procedure to see if indeed I find neutral. I just tried it out and works like a champ! Glad I don't have to buy a new toad now. I think that if I tow it often I will install a switch on the ground lug to expedite the process.
Rusty

 

[Siddo]

I just went back and read the full instructions in my OM. They left out the pat your head while rubbing your belly and jumping up and down on one leg part Thank you. I am going to go thru the procedure to see if indeed I find neutral. I just tried it out and works like a champ! Glad I don't have to buy a new toad now. I think that if I tow it often I will install a switch on the ground lug to expedite the process.
Rusty

Just a tip....

While turning the knob to the N position you Cannot stop along the way.

One swift motion

Myself and the service mgr found out the hard way....

Here's ground disconnect switch with high enough amp rating for the diesel..

I initially used the inexpensive green knob disconnect but had some random failures to remain connected when not towing

I'm sure there are other options as well

 

[osuallen]

I just went back and read the full instructions in my OM. They left out the pat your head while rubbing your belly and jumping up and down on one leg part Thank you. I am going to go thru the procedure to see if indeed I find neutral. I just tried it out and works like a champ! Glad I don't have to buy a new toad now. I think that if I tow it often I will install a switch on the ground lug to expedite the process.
Rusty

Glad it worked. I found a remote battery disconnect and installed the button to the lower left on the dash. There is a blank spot with a blank slot there.

 

[Old Bubblehead]

We have towed ours for 3 plus years, it's a great toad. Use roadmaster solenoid switch to disconnect battery. As mentioned, follow instructions carefully when putting into tow mode.

 

[Rustycoach]

I just finished setting up my 2018 Canyon to flat tow behind the 4081 Dutch Star. I installed a Road Master direct connect base plate kit, a Road Master Universal light wiring kit and a remoter battery shut off system. A friend sold me his older Road Master Black Hawk tow bar so I am set. Heading to Monterey Bay for the Holiday weekend. I test drove the coach with the Toad attached and did not even know it was back there. I practiced attaching and unhooking the Toad and getting it into and out of neutral several times to get the routine down. I really don’t want to experience any issues! I had to use a three inch drop hitch to level out the tow bar. Excited to not be park bound when we go places now.

 

[osuallen]

I just finished setting up my 2018 Canyon to flat tow behind the 4081 Dutch Star. I installed a Road Master direct connect base plate kit, a Road Master Universal light wiring kit and a remoter battery shut off system. A friend sold me his older Road Master Black Hawk tow bar so I am set. Heading to Monterey Bay for the Holiday weekend. I test drove the coach with the Toad attached and did not even know it was back there. I practiced attaching and unhooking the Toad and getting it into and out of neutral several times to get the routine down. I really don’t want to experience any issues! I had to use a three inch drop hitch to level out the tow bar. Excited to not be park bound when we go places now.

I tow a 2018 GMC Canyon and typed out the instructions for into and out of neutral in large print, put it in a clear sleeve and keep it in the glove box.

 

[Just George]

@Rustycoach Sounds like you may not have pulled a Toad in the past so I'll offer a couple items for your consideration. A) Install a supplemental braking system. This can help with braking while driving particularly if an aggressive stop is needed, but perhaps more importantly will apply the toad brakes in the event of a unplanned separation from the coach. B) Install Tire Pressure Monitoring System for the Toad. If you have a tire blow out / flat on the toad you really want to know.

 

[Rustymayes]

I tow a 2018 GMC Canyon and typed out the instructions for into and out of neutral in large print, put it in a clear sleeve and keep it in the glove box.

Gotta Copy of that you can share? I was thinking of doing that as well.
Cheers

 

[Rustymayes]

That is next on the list. I am thinking of going with the invisi-brake that is permanently installed to avoid another step in the process.
Cheers

 

[LeprechaunADV]

First-time poster and member of RVF.
It sounds like most people who enjoy the Colorado as a TOAD are towing it 4 down. Is there anyone that is towing it on a dolly? I ask because I am getting ready to do this myself.

 

[noeyes]

Is it a4wd or 2wd?

 

[NWIP]

If 2WD I understand the dolly but if 4WD I’m not sure I understand the thought process.

 

[Fish]

If 2WD I understand the dolly but if 4WD I’m not sure I understand the thought process.

2wd wouldn't you have to pull it bacwards?