File in Section:
Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

00 - General Information
13-00-89-007A
October, 2014

INFORMATION
Subject:

Information on Recreational, Dinghy or Flat Towing Procedure

Models:

2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 2-Speed Transfer Case (RPOs NQG, NQH)
2014 GMC Sierra 1500 with 2-Speed Transfer Case (RPOs NQG, NQH)

This Bulletin has been revised to update information under Towing Set Up Procedure.
Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 13-00-89-007.

Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind
another vehicle with all four tires on the ground. This is
referred to as flat, dinghy towing or even as a “toad”
(slang for towed vehicle).
Towing in this manner is acceptable only on certain
4WD trucks depending on the transfer case option. The
vehicle should be properly equipped and prepared as
described below.
The information contained in this bulletin supplements
the Owner’s Manual.
Please provide a copy of this bulletin to customers that
want to dinghy tow their truck.
Towing Set Up Procedure
Notice: Use extra care whenever towing another
vehicle. Do not exceed the towing vehicle's ratings
such as the gross combination weight rating (GCWR)
by adding the weight of the dinghy towed vehicle or
vehicle damage may result.
Recreational/Dinghy tow basic setup procedures
Four wheel drive pick-ups with a two speed transfer
case (that have a neutral and a 4 low position):
1. Tow only in forward direction. Position the vehicle
to be towed behind the towing vehicle.
2. Securely attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake, start the engine
and shift the transmission to neutral.
Caution: Shifting the transmission to neutral can
cause the vehicle to roll and may cause personal injury.
4. Shift the transfer case to neutral.
Caution: Shifting the transfer case to Neutral can
cause the vehicle to roll, even if the transmission is in
park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual), and may cause
personal injury.
5. Check for transfer case neutral by shifting
transmission to reverse then drive and verify there
is no movement.
6. While the transmission is in drive, turn the ignition
key to Accessory, this will turn the engine off.
Copyright 2014 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

7. Shift the transmission to Park.
8. Wait for at least 10 seconds, then restart the
engine.
9. Shift the transmission to D (Drive), then turn the
engine off again.
10. Depower the vehicle by removing the negative
cable at the battery. This procedure must be
followed or the steering column could be damaged.
• Cover the negative battery post with a
nonconducting material and prevent any
contact between the negative battery terminal
and the negative battery cable.
• Secure the nut and bolt.
Notice: If power is provided by accidental contact of
the cable and terminals, damage to the towed vehicle
may result, which would not be covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
11. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
12. Move the steering wheel to make sure the steering
column is unlocked.
13. With a foot on the brake pedal, release the parking
brake, only after verifying the towed vehicle is
attached to the towing vehicle.
14. Keep the ignition key in the towed vehicle in ACC/
ACCESSORY to prevent the steering column from
locking. Manually lock the doors and use 2nd key
for access.
Disconnecting the Towed Vehicle
1. Leave the truck connected to the tow vehicle.
2. Connect the battery.
3. Set the parking brake and place transmission
in Park.
4. Shift the transfer case to 2 HI.
5. Disconnect the truck from the towing vehicle.
6. Reset any lost presets.

Page 2

October, 2014

Additional Information
• Any towing wiring, electronics, controls, lighting or
any other system cannot be tied into the towed
vehicle electronic system or serious damage may
result.
• There may be a loss of various memory presets.
• Installation and/or damage caused by equipment
installed or flat towing the truck is not covered
under the terms of the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.

Bulletin No.: 13-00-89-007A

All relevant laws and safety procedures regarding
towing vehicles must be followed including but not
limited to:
• Use of the appropriate running, stopping and
signal lights.
• Use of an appropriate auxiliary/break-away
braking system in the towed vehicle.
• Use of the appropriate towing equipment
(including safety chains/cables) rated for the
weight of the towed vehicle.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.

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