Does The Battery Need To Be Disconnected To Flat Tow A 2022 Lincoln Nautilus
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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Auto Battery Disconnect
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Search Results: blue ox accessories and parts
- Shop: Windshield Wiper Blades
- Video: Review of Wiper Technologies Windshield Wipers - Beam Style - WPR66FR
- Shop: Wiper Technologies Heavy Duty Windshield Wiper Blade - Beam Style - 36" - Qty 1
- Shop: Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas
- Shop: Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Shop: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Video: Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect Installation - 2020 Lincoln Nautilus
- Video: Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Braking System Installation - 2007 Jeep Liberty
- Shop: Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All-Terrain Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Roadmaster 80" Coiled Safety Cables - Double Hook - 10,000 lbs - Qty 2
- Search Results: wireless led tow light kit
- Video: Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect Review
- Search Results: base plates
- Search Results: blue ox patriot braking system
- Video: Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Braking System Installation - 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Video: Roadmaster Diode 7 to 6 Wire Coil Kit Installation - 2020 Lincoln Nautilus
- Video: RoadMaster Blackhawk 2 All Terrain Tow Bar Installation - 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- Search Results: rm~653
- Search Results: rm~676
- Search Results: rm~422
- Shop: Vehicle Seat Covers
- Q&A: How to Flat Tow a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus
- Article: RV-Mounted vs Vehicle-Mounted Tow Bars
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Shop: Trailer Wiring