Why Does the Key of a Vehicle Need to Be in Accessory Position to be Flat Towed

Question:

I have a Tiffin motorhome, I am towing my 2014 Ford Explorer with a Blue Ox tow kit. Why do I have to have the accessory mode on in the vehicle? It kills the car battery after only a couple of hours.

asked by: Dan S

Expert Reply:

You need to have the key in the accessory position of the ignition so that your steering wheel will be unlocked. What you can do is use a battery disconnect like the # DW05312 on your battery to prevent it from draining with the key in the ACC position.

Or some people will run a wire from the 12 volt accessory position of the trailer connector on their tow vehicle to the positive battery post of the vehicle to allow it to have a maintenance charge.

expert reply by: Jameson C