Does Battery Need To Be Disconnected When Flat Towing a 2012 Kia Soul

Updated 05/25/2012 | Published 05/24/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2117)

$575.00

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

(397)

$850.00

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

(649)

$65.96

RoadMaster BrakeMaster Custom Seat Adapter

(245)

$82.93

12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps

(325)

$36.01

Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(56)

$1930.00

Question:

when towing the 2012 Soul do we need to disconnect any fuses or the battery or do anything special. I am not finding this info in my book for the car. We have the manual transmission so know to put it in neutral and release the emergency brake. But past that is there something we need to do to keep the battery from going dead? Thank you in advance for your help

asked by: Janis R

Expert Reply:

When flat towing your 2012 Kia Soul you do not need to disconnect any fuses or the battery. The battery will not go dead on your Kia when being flat towed. Roadmaster recommends that you start your towed vehicle after towing for more than 6 hours and let it idle 15 to 20 minutes to re-charge the battery.

In addition to the Roadmaster EZ2 Base Plate Kit, part # 522112-1, you will need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking as required by law.

For a compatible tow bar, the most popular option that is also compatible with the EZ2 base plates is the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520. I have included a link to the installation details and a link to a video review of the tow bar for you.

For safety cables, I recommend the coiled cables, # RM-643 because the coiled design will help to keep them from touching the ground.

For a lighting solution, there are several options. I have included a link to an FAQ article that covers the various options so you can decide which will be best for your specific application.

Most states now require a supplemental braking system on a towed vehicle over a certain weight. If this is the case in your state, I would recommend the Roadmaster Even Brake System part # RM-9400, which will work with the tow vehicle so that the brakes on the Kia work proportionally with the tow vehicle brakes.

The only other parts that are recommended when flat towing your vehicle is the Roadmaster 12 Volt Outlet Kit, part # RM-9332, and the Roadmaster Seat Adapter, part # RM-88122.

The # RM-9332 outlet is wired to the battery of the towed vehicle battery or towed vehicle fuse box to supply power to the Even Brake braking system.

The RM-88122 seat adapter is needed to attach the braking system to the drivers seat in your Kia Soul. I am including a link to the installation instructions on the adapter.

I am including a link to FAQ articles pertaining to flat towing a vehicle. These articles contain some good information on what is needed for flat towing a vehicle.