Can 2016 Kia Soul with a Manual Transmission be Flat Towed

Published 02/23/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2125)

$575.00

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(396)

$1486.01

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

(401)

$850.00

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

(653)

$67.26

Roadmaster Accessory Kit for Falcon Tow Bars - Tail Light Wiring - Safety Cables - Lock Set

(73)

$317.68

Question:

2016 Soul. Manual trans. Can we flat tow?

asked by: Ray

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, the manual transmission versions of the 2016 Kia Soul like what you have can be flat towed behind a motorhome. The automatic transmission versions cannot.

Starting with the base plate kit, I recommend the Roadmaster EZ4 Base Plate Kit # RM-522114-4. This is confirmed to fit this vehicle and features a hidden bracket design for a nice clean look when compared to standard brackets. These will install on your Kia Soul's frame to provide an attachment point for the tow bar.

For a tow bar, I recommend the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520. This heavy-duty unit has a weight capacity of 6,000 pounds and is compatible with the above mentioned base plate kit. I recommend adding the RoadMaster Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables # RM-643 to add the necessary security to your system.

For lighting/safety cables, locks, and covers for the tow bar we have the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain kit part # RM-9243-1 which comes with all of that as one part number. The diode kit that comes with this allows you to splice into the taillight wiring so that your RV controls the vehicle taillights and does not require drilling into the taillight housings. 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.

Most likely you will also need a high low adapter so that the tow bar will be level when you are flat towing. I attached a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.

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.