How to Deal with the GMC 2023 GMC Sierra Electronic Parking Brake When Towing Your Truck

Owners of the 2023 GMC Sierra who plan to flat-tow their truck behind an RV need to understand how the truck's Electronic Parking Brake behaves during towing. The system can engage on its own and lock the rear wheels if it is not handled correctly before hitting the road. This guide walks through what the feature does, why it causes problems when towing, and how to work around it safely.

Understanding Your GMC 2023 GMC Sierra Electronic Parking Brake

Older parking brakes were simple: a lever or pedal that manually locked the rear brakes. The 2023 GMC Sierra replaces that mechanical setup with an electronic system that uses an actuator to apply the parking brake automatically when the truck is shifted into park, and to release it when the truck is put back into gear.

That automation is convenient for daily driving, but it creates a specific complication when the truck is towed behind a motorhome with all four wheels on the ground, since the parking brake can reactivate unexpectedly while the truck is in tow.

The Problem with Towing and Your GMC 2023 GMC Sierra Electronic Parking Brake

Standard preparation for flat towing calls for shifting the transfer case into neutral, putting the transmission in park, and turning off the engine. With the 2023 Sierra's electronic parking brake, that routine is not enough on its own.

Once the truck starts moving behind the motorhome, the electronic parking brake can engage and lock the rear wheels without warning. That causes the truck to drag and pulls against the tow vehicle, which is both hard on the drivetrain and unsafe on the road.

Solving the GMC 2023 GMC Sierra Electronic Parking Brake Conundrum

The most common fix is a battery disconnect switch. Installing a battery disconnect lets an owner cut power to the truck's electrical system before towing, which prevents the electronic parking brake module from activating.

After putting the truck in neutral and park as usual, the owner flips the battery disconnect to stop power flow to the truck. With the electrical system offline, the Electronic Parking Brake cannot engage and lock the wheels while the truck is being towed.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Towing with Your GMC 2023 GMC Sierra Electronic Parking Brake

Follow these steps to prepare the parking brake system on a 2023 GMC Sierra before towing:

1. Put the truck's transfer case in neutral by pressing the 2H button on the four-wheel-drive control five times.
2. Shift the transmission into park.
3. Turn off the truck.
4. Use a battery disconnect to cut power to the parking brake system.
5. Confirm the electronic parking brake is disengaged before towing.
6. Hit the road.

What Happens If You Skip the Battery Disconnect

Skipping the battery disconnect step is one of the most common mistakes owners make when flat-towing a 2023 GMC Sierra. Without the electrical system cut off, the Electronic Parking Brake can engage mid-drive, locking the rear wheels and causing the truck to drag or skid behind the motorhome. This is hard on tires, wheel bearings, and the parking brake actuator itself, and it can happen with no warning until the driver notices the dragging.

Because the issue only shows up once the truck is already moving, it's worth double-checking the battery disconnect before every tow rather than relying on memory alone.

The Importance of Disconnecting the Black Wire

Some owners have found that even with the battery disconnected, the Electronic Brake reactivates after the motorhome is stopped and restarted. Reports point to a specific wire inside the 7-pin connector between the truck and the motorhome as the likely cause, since it can feed power back into the truck's electrical system.

Owners dealing with this issue have had success disconnecting or cutting that wire so the motorhome no longer feeds power to the truck. Given that connector wiring varies by setup, it's worth checking a wiring diagram or consulting a qualified installer before cutting anything, so the truck's lighting and trailer brake functions are not affected.

Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks

The Electronic Parking Brake on the 2023 GMC Sierra is a genuine convenience for everyday driving and parking on inclines, applying and releasing automatically without the driver needing to think about it. The tradeoff shows up specifically in towing scenarios, where the same automation that makes daily driving easier becomes a hurdle that requires extra prep work.

For owners who tow occasionally, the battery disconnect and wire check add a couple of extra steps to the pre-towing routine. Once those steps become habit, the electronic parking brake stops being a source of surprises and simply becomes part of the towing checklist.

Final Thought

Towing a 2023 GMC Sierra with an Electronic Parking Brake does not have to be a headache. With a battery disconnect installed and the 7-pin connector wiring checked, most owners can tow behind their motorhome without the brake engaging unexpectedly.

Anyone new to towing a 2023 Sierra should run through the checklist above before the first trip and confirm the parking brake stays disengaged once the truck is moving. A few minutes of preparation before departure prevents a dragging brake from turning into a costly repair.