Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2017 Kia Soul
Question:
Does leaving the key in the ignition keep the steering unlocked? If not will accessry position work or does the switch have to be in the on position? Thanks for any help!
asked by: Dave D
Expert Reply:
Most manual transmission vehicles will have the steering wheel unlocked even with a key not in the ignition, but I checked the owners manual and Kia recommends putting the key in the ACC position to allow the steering wheel to unlock. You can try turning the wheel with the key not in the ignition and you'll know pretty quick if the wheel is locked.
For a base plate kit you'll want the part # RM-522115-5 which is a confirmed fit.
In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon 2, # RM-520. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.
For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed vehicle. 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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Flat Towing a 2021 Kia Soul
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2007-2018 JK Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited
- Q&A: Complete Flat-Towing Setup for a 2009 Honda CR-V
- Article: What Jeeps Can Be Flat Towed?
- Q&A: How to Keep the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR from Depleting Towed Vehicle Battery
- Article: Flat Tow Package for 2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing Parts for a 2023 Ford Maverick
- Q&A: Adapters For Connecting Blue Ox Tow Bar With Roadmaster Base Plate Kit
- Q&A: Replacement Manual Crank For Stromberg Carlson Electric Trailer Jack JET-5000
- Q&A: How Is The Blue Ox Patriot Braking System Activated From The Motorhome?
- Article: What Is a Supplemental Braking System?
- Article: Wiring a Tow Vehicle to Tow a Dinghy
- Article: Roof Rack Information
- Article: We Used 34 RV Tow Bars, and These are the Best for Flat Towing