Does The Battery Need To Be Disconnected To Flat Tow A 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

Updated 06/30/2023 | Published 06/29/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4617)

$453.18

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

(372)

$220.04

Question:

We have a 2022 lincoln nautilus try to flat tow put car in neutral per manual did not disconnect battery towed the car about 20 miles rear wheels locked up. Had to pull car 50 yards to get out of traffic and doing it broke the motor mount. Took the car to lincoln now they say that disconnecting the battery but leaving the tail lights wired through tow bar and brake system hooked up that may trigger brake locking up. please contact me No body from the dealership knows anything.

asked by: Tom S

Expert Reply:

Typically the requirement to disconnect the battery is from the manufacturer but I looked through the owner's manual for both the 2021 and 2022 models and they don't list anything about disconnecting it under the recreational vehicle towing section. Roadmaster, one of our suppliers, does has a note saying that the battery should be disconnected with part # RM-766 to flat tow and that there could possibly be more than one battery in the vehicle that will need to be disconnected. I've never run into a situation where the vehicle manufacturer didn't list the requirement so you may have a legal case if they won't warranty the damage.

The tow bar wiring is powered directly by the motorhome's 7-way and would have absolutely zero connection to the brakes on the vehicle. The dealership is just trying to pass the blame. The supplemental braking system could potentially lock the brakes up but you would've had to have installed it incorrectly for it to malfunction. Check your wiring and ensure there's nothing wrong with your breakaway switch. It's much more likely that the battery be connected activated something within the vehicle, like an anti-theft system, and activated the brakes.

expert reply by: Kevin C