Will the Battery in a 2007-2014 Ford Edge Go Dead While in Tow

Question:

I was told that any Jeep Liberty older than 2007 requires a battery disconnect to flat tow behind motor home however I have talked to 3 people who flat tow Libertys 2008 - 2010 - 2011 and none of them have ever used a battery disconnect. They did tell me that vehicles that require the key to be in the ACC position will drain battery after a few hours however the Liberty steering does not lock so there is no reason to leave the key in the ACC position. What is your take on this?

asked by: Bryan

Helpful Expert Reply:

The battery on a 2007-2014 Ford Edge may go dead after a few hours while in tow if not connected to a charge line like the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles part # RM-156-25. The charge line provides a trickle charge to the vehicle's battery using the motorhome's battery and is recommended for this vehicle. According to the owner's manual, the key must be placed in the ACC position in order to unlock the steering wheel. A battery disconnect is not recommended/needed.

In regards to a Jeep Liberty, the 2005-2007 models do not require a battery disconnect or charge line but the 2008-2009 models do require a battery disconnect like the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect with Switch part # RM-766. I have attached install videos for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

Bryan

11/8/2018

Conner L.

11/8/2018

If you take a look at page 380 in the owner's manual for a 2008 Jeep Liberty, you will see that step 15 of the flat-towing procedure states to disconnect the negative battery terminal. This will hold true for the 2009 model year as well. Unfortunately, the manufacturer has reasons as to why the battery must be disconnected which they do not always provide. Most of the time there are components that will continue to draw power while the key is in the ignition which is why the battery must be disconnected. The amount of time the vehicle is in tow will surely play a part into whether or not the battery drains but I can't speak to the experiences of your friends, just what the owner's manual recommends. If you really want to know specifics about why the owner's manual states to disconnect the battery while flat-towing the vehicle, you would need to contact the manufacturer directly as I do not have these answers for you.