Tows as though the BRAKES ARE ON

[RobertSlates]

I would appreciate help with our towing problem from anyone who has experienced it and knows its cause and solution.



We tow a 2017 Chevy Malibu behind our 2018 Forest River Forester Class C motor home. We use a Patriot II braking system by Blue Ox in the Malibu. When driving down the Interstate, it tows like a dream. When exiting the Interstate at a cloverleaf exchange it tows like a nightmare. Very shortly after entering the cloverleaf turn, the car acts as though its brakes are on so hard the wheels won't turn. The Patriot II monitor in the motor home cab says the brakes on the car are not on. I know I need to get off the road immediately before I damage the Malibu, but there is no shoulder on the exit ramp to stop on and cars behind us are backed up way around the curve. About this time the Malibu begins to act normal again and its resistance to towing ends. Almost immediately we got an alert on our cell phone from Chevy saying we need to get the Malibu's Traction Control System and its StabiliTrack System checked.


Next time we tow, I will turn off both the Traction Control and StabiliTrack Systems on the Malibu before we leave to see if this is the problem. Until then, please respond in the Forum if you have had this problem and know its solution. Thanks.

[Wasitok]

You have the same symptoms that I was told about when I bought a Chevy spark. I read another forums that the spark braking during cloverleaf exits.To correct the issue you simply disconnect the negative cable from the battery and leave the manual transmission in neutral. Hope this is helpful

[dalford]

Originally Posted by Wasitok

You have the same symptoms that I was told about when I bought a Chevy spark. I read another forums that the spark braking during cloverleaf exits.To correct the issue you simply disconnect the negative cable from the battery and leave the manual transmission in neutral. Hope this is helpful

Don’t you need the car battery connected for the brake system to work?

[Wasitok]

The brake system for the Chevy spark is a patriot three. I use the seven pin power plug to supply remote power from the motorhome to the toad brake system.Also the Spark has non locking steering wheel. ( no key ignition on )

[upflying]

Makes sense, traction control and stabiltrack systems apply differential braking to pull the Malibu out of a dangerous spin and/or loss of control. Going down a curved off ramp after miles of straight driving probably activates the system as the wheel sensors detect one or more wheels moving a bit faster or slower around the curve.
Hopefully deactivating the system solves the problem.
As far as the Spark, do you even need brakes with such a light toad?

[Wasitok]

In regards to brakes some brief research showed that some states required brakes no matter what tow vehicle weight is.Just to cover my rear end I figured I would install the patriot three.