Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2009 Kia Sportage with Manual Transmission

Expert Reply:

You can flat tow a 2009 Kia Sportage with a manual transmission. To determine if there are any specific requirements for flat towing your vehicle, be sure to check the owners manual.

For flat towing you will need 5 items: Base plates; tow bar; safety cables; lighting; supplemental braking.

Base plates provide a safe and secure attachment point of the vehicle for the tow bar. For your Sportage, you can use the Roadmaster XL Base Plates, # 1621-1, that you have referenced.

The tow bar attaches to the vehicle and to the RV or vehicle doing the towing. You will need one that is compatible with XL style base plates. The most popular tow bar for XL base plates is the Roadmaster Falcon 2, # RM-520. I have included a link to the installation details and a video review of the tow bar.

For safety cables, I recommend the Roadmaster Coiled Cables, # RM-643. The coiled design will help to keep the cables from contacting the ground.

For lighting there are several options depending on your specific needs. I have included a link to an FAQ article that will help you decide which is the best option for you.

Most states now require a supplemental braking system on the vehicle being towed. the easiest to set up and use is the Roadmaster Even Brake, # RM-9400. This is a proportional system that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This type of braking is safest and reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

I have also included a link to our series of FAQ articles on flat towing for you.

expert reply by: Michael H