What Is Needed To Flat-Tow 2011 Kia Soul With manual Transmission Behind Motorhome

Updated 03/19/2014 | Published 03/16/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Universal Magnetic Tow Lights - Red LEDs - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(200)

$69.73

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4611)

$474.77

Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs

(450)

$712.29

Roadmaster Bulb and Socket Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - Incandescent

(438)

$83.00

RoadMaster BrakeMaster Custom Seat Adapter

(248)

$82.93

12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps

(331)

$40.45

Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(56)

$1930.00

Question:

WE JUST PURCHASED A 2013 E450 CLASS C MOTORHOME AND A 2011 KIA SOUL TO TOW BEHIND IT. CAN YOY SUGGEST THE BEST SETUP AND ANY ACCESSORIES I WILL NEED TO FLAT TOW. THE KIA IS A STANDARD TRANSMISSION WHICH IS FLAT TOWABLE. THANK YOU

asked by: MIKE R

Expert Reply:

When flat towing your 2011 Kia Soul, there are a few things that are needed. You need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, wiring for the towed vehicle lights, and a supplemental brake system.

The base plates I recommend are the Blue Ox Base Plates, part # BX2715. When this bracket kit is installed the removable tabs leave the car with a clean look when not being towed. The bumper fascia must be removed and replaced during installation. It also requires some trimming of the bumper, fascia, air dam, and possibly the grill. Some minor drilling is required as well.

The tow bar I recommend is the Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar, part # BX7380. This fits right into your RV 2 inch by 2 inch hitch receiver, and attaches easily with 2 easy-access pins. Safety cables are included with this system.

If you are planning on towing very often I recommend a lighting kit like the Roadmaster Tow Bar Wiring, part # RM-155. This system bypasses your vehicle electrical system completely and works via plugs and sockets installed inside the tail lights. This includes all the necessary wiring, lights, sockets, and instructions.

If you are not planning on towing very often I recommend Optronics LED Tow Light Kit, part # TLL21RK. These lights have magnetic bases that hold firmly to any metal surface on your towed car, and you do not tap into the towed vehicle wiring.

Most states now require a supplemental braking system on a towed vehicle. I 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 FAQ articles pertaining to flat towing a vehicle. These articles contain some good information on what is needed for flat towing a vehicle.