Does Battery have to be Disconnected to Flat Tow a 2015 Ford Fiesta Manual Transmission Behind an RV

Updated 05/20/2016 | Published 05/17/2016

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Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only

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16 Gauge Primary Wire - Black - Per Foot

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Question:

Towwing 2015 ford fiesta manual trans Can I tow my car with out disconnecting battery. Motor home is supplying power to separate brake/signal lights. I have been told this is ok and have done this without disconnecting battery for the past yr. with no problems. But last 2 trips my car had trouble starting when I first disconnected from motor home

asked by: Tony B

Expert Reply:

The owner's manual for your 2015 Ford Fiesta says that for automatic models, not manual models, of the vehicle the battery needs to be disconnected to flat tow it. I cannot recommend going against the manual so the battery should be disconnected on automatic models. This is because some things in the vehicle will be powered on when you have the vehicle set up for flat towing according to the steps in the manual.

You can provide power to the vehicle battery via the running light circuit coming from the RV to the Fiesta by splicing in a wire such as # 16-1-1 (sold by the foot) to that circuit on the vehicle side and running it to the positive battery terminal. You will need to have the running lights on the RV on in order for there to be power on that wire.

The owner's manual also states that after you are done flat towing the vehicle for the day to connect the battery and start the motor within 15 minutes of reconnecting the battery so that the alternator can charge it.

expert reply by: Michael H