Towing XTERRA 2012 Four Wheels Down With RV

[rlbarkleyii]

I recently bought a Xterra SE 2012 4X4, Auto, which I tow behind my diesel pusher RV. I had a REMCO drive shaft disconnect installed by Driveshaft Services in Marrietta GA. Works great, 10K towing, no problems to date.

I have a issue that I haven't worked out yet that i hope someone on this forum can help me with.

I have installed a Roadmaster Base plate and tow bar, works great. When i get ready to tow the EXTERRA, i pull the cable that disconnects the driveshaft and turn on the ignition to the accessary position to allow the steering wheel to turn while towing. Put the vehicle in park and make sure the park brake is off and my 4X4 switch is in the 2WD position.

The problem is two fold; First I would like to bypass the ignition switch so that on a long drive my battery would not run down. Second; even better yet, i would like to disarm the steering wheel lock so that the steering wheel would turn freely without the ignition being on. I am not concerned about warranty or theft issues.

Anyone having experiance with either of these issues, i would appreciate any guidance you could provide.

 

[knightrider]

Couldn't you connect the truck to your rv with a 7 pin harness, then the trucks battery would be charged through the tow harness.

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[20-100]

There is a somehow easy way, behind the driver side kick panel (the trim panel at the left of your left foot) there is a plug that goes directly to the ignition switch... if you unplug it (once the panel is removed, the plug is easily accessed) no more power goes to the ignition... you can leave the key in acc or run without running the battery down.

If you tow frequently, you could install a switch in or near said panel to cut the power to the ignition (make sure to use a switch that can pass 40 amperes)