Flat Towing - Anti-theft Triggered

[KenE]

Hey Steve - I am not sure if the alarm is set when it’s in “neutral tow” I assume the alarm would be over-ridden - I know I haven’t experienced the alarm being triggered while I flat tow it and I’ve flat-towed this Maverick over 6,000 miles behind my MotorCoach note - I have a push button start and no key I lock it using the key fob

I've flat towed my 25MY Hybrid Lariet several thousand. It makes no difference whether I plug MH into Maverick first before neutral tow, or vice versa. I never get the alarm or unusual behavior. And I also always lock the Mav while flat towing & keep key fob in my pocket. Never experienced either problem? Knock on wood.

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[jphebus]

I think I'm on to something with this. I forgot that the dealer added this Karr Security system when we bought the vehicle. It has the Shock Sensor protection built it. I found the little valet override under the drive side and will try using that to disable the shock protection and see it that works. (probably the same as leaving it unlocked). There's also an app when I think you can disable it, but I'm having trouble connecting to it via Bluetooth.

 

[First Sergeant]

I think I'm on to something with this. I forgot that the dealer added this Karr Security system when we bought the vehicle. It has the Shock Sensor protection built it. I found the little valet override under the drive side and will try using that to disable the shock protection and see it that works. (probably the same as leaving it unlocked). There's also an app when I think you can disable it, but I'm having trouble connecting to it via Bluetooth.

I have read about these add on alarm systems from the dealers before and most is not good. Might cost some bucks, but if it were me, I would get it removed. Any good reputable automotive audio/alarm business should be able to get it done. That KARR unit is just another thing to keep giving you a headache, I would bet money on it.

 

[jphebus]

Closing the loop on this:

Made the following changes and took the Maverick out for a successful tow yesterday:

The primary issue was the dealer installed Karr security system. Placing the vehicle in tow mode doesn't disable it. When you lock the care, you arm the Karr passive security function that set off the alarm with any glass breakage, hood movement or other shocks.

I needed to place the Karr system in "Valet Mode" which disables the passive alarm system. This is done by either holding down the button on the Karr transponder under the drivers side steering wheel or from the Karr app. I was able to lock the car and take the FOB. The Karr transponder LED stays solid green indicating "Valet mode" versus flashing green indicating the system is armed. (In ever noticed the dang thing since we bought the car.

When the care is unlocked, the system is also disarmed. So, leaving the car unlocked would have worked, but prefer valet mode.

The other issue was the tow bar had a lot of movement. I upgraded the drop hitch from a 7000 lb. to a nice solid Roadmaster 10000 lb. drop hitch. Pricey, but definitely a much tighter configuration. Also added a couple Blue Ox hitch immobilizers (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00403LNQI?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title) which eliminated any play at the hitch receivers.

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