Why Does Vehicle Battery Have to Be Disconnected to Flat Tow

Updated 01/27/2016 | Published 01/26/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Bulb and Socket Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - Incandescent

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Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord

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Question:

Just bought a 2013 Ford Focus to tow behind our RV. OWNERS manual says to disconnect battery before towing. Is that necessary? Had the Stay In Play tow package installed in the vehicle and the guy who installed it said if I disconnected the battery the brake and turn signals would not work. Any advise?

asked by: Marv

Expert Reply:

When flat towing a vehicle you have to go by what is listed in the owners manual of the vehicle as the proper process otherwise you might damage something or end up being a danger to other motorists.

Most likely you have to disconnect the battery of your vehicle so that the battery does not drain while you are flat towing it. Since the front wheels of a vehicle have to be unlocked and be able to be turned you will end up having the key of the vehicle turned on to accomplish this. Well with the key on the battery will end up draining so that is why you need to disconnect the battery.

If you have a proper tow bar lighting setup installed in your vehicle it would not matter if the batter is connected or not to function.

For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed vehicle. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.

expert reply by: Jameson C