Recommend A Roadmaster Base Plate Kit to Flat Tow 1999 Kia Sportage  

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Expert Reply:

The base plate kit that will fit your 1999 Kia Sportage is the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit, part # 2104-1. In addition to a base plate kit, to finish your towing setup you need a tow bar, safety cables, vehicle wiring or portable lights, and a supplemental braking kit.

For a tow bar, I recommend RoadMaster StowMaster Car-Mounted Tow Bar, part # RM-501, which features the Autowlok feature. Autowlok has telescoping arms that extend and lock when pulled on by tow vehicle for easy hooking up to tow.

For safety cables, I recommend RoadMaster 68" Single Hook Coiled Safety Cables, part # RM-643, which keeps your Kia attached to tow vehicle in case your tow bar ever detaches from the hitch ball.

For lighting, you can wire your 1999 Kia Sportage with the Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit, part # RM-154, which activates the running lights, brake lights and turn signals of your Kia when it is being towed by your motor home. The other option is to use Magnetic Towing Light Kit, part # C-ATL20A, which attaches to your vehicle using magnets. If you are going to be towing your Kia often, I recommend part # RM-154 as it just plugs in to your vehicle each time you tow.

It is recommended, and most states require that you use a supplemental brake system when flat-towing a vehicle. For this, I would recommend Roadmaster Portable Braking System, part # RM-9400, which will help reduce wear on your tow vehicle brakes and help you slow down.

Before towing your Kia Sportage, you want to consult your Kia dealership for specific steps needed to take when flat towing. Some vehicles must be equipped with a transmission lube pump, axle disconnect or free-wheeling hubs before they can be towed.

I have linked instructions and a video review of the RoadMaster StowMaster Car-Mounted Tow Bar, part # RM-501. There is also a link to a video install of Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit, part # RM-154, that you may find as a good reference.

expert reply by: Reno H

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