Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2013 Kia Soul

Published 12/29/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2160)

$575.00

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(456)

$1404.09

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4862)

$494.82

Blue Ox Alpha Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,500 lbs

(474)

$1079.00

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

(3358)

$186.37

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(413)

$850.00

RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

(666)

$61.90

Question:

How high is the tow bar using the Roadmaster base plate on a 2013 Kia Soul?d The hitch receiver on my Bounder is very high 27.5inch to the center, and I am concerned about how high a receiver I may need.

asked by: William H

Helpful Expert Reply:

The base plate kit part # 522112-1 will fit through the grille of your 2013 Kia Soul at the same height as the middle of your front license plate basically. You would need to measure from there down to the ground to determine the bracket height. The Blue Ox Kit part # BX2715 comes through the lower part of the grille and measures 26 inches from the ground. This kit with a Blue Ox tow bar like part # BX7380 would be at a height that would not require a high low adapter for your hitch height of 27-1/2 inches on your Bounder. I like the Blue OX flat towing parts better so that would be the route I would go.

In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon 2, # RM-520. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.

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.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing your vehicle.