They do advise either towing the car with the front wheels up or on a flat bed. It continues by stating that while towing with all four wheels down,
taken from the instructions
When towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, towing is only possible from the front. A transaxle should be in neutral. By turning the ignition switch to the ACC position, make sure the steering is unlocked. The steering and brakes of the towed vehicle can only be used by a driver inside it.
- When towing, keep the speed of the car to 15 km/h (10 mph) and travel no more than 1.5 km (1 mile) to prevent major damage to the dual clutch transmission.
Check under your car for fluid leaks in the dual clutch transmission before towing. It is necessary to employ flatbed equipment or a towing dolly if the dual clutch transmission fluid is dripping.
In This Article...
Can a motorhome be pulled by a Kia Niro?
Do you know if a tow dolly can be used to tow a 2021 or 2022 Kia Niro PHEV behind a motorhome? We want to swap out our 2003 Pontiac Vibe.
Expert Reaction:
The Kia Niro 2022 owner’s manual I pulled up revealed that it can be transported behind a motorhome using a tow dolly. I prefer the Demco Kar Kaddy SS part # DM9713045 as a tow dolly because it features a steering axle, an independent brake system, and the ability to fold up for simpler storage when not in use.
Can a hybrid automobile be flat-towed?
Can an electric car be flat-towed to be recharged? Rivian, Ford, and Lucid, three manufacturers of electric vehicles, recently responded to our inquiry with some intriguing responses. The electronics of an electric vehicle (EV) do not distinguish between flat towing, or pushing, and coasting down a hill. It is therefore possible to flat tow an EV in order to recharge it. However, there are several significant asterisks.
An electric vehicle in neutral won’t create electricity, whether it’s being flat-towed or rolled down a hill. This means that the battery must still have enough electrons in it to be fully “alive” in order for it to shift into Drive. Second, a strong tow vehicle will probably be required. The majority of battery-electric vehicles are relatively hefty, and when they regenerate energy, it feels like the parking brake is engaged. This brings us to the third asterisk: You’d better have strong brakes on both the tow vehicle and the towed EV, as well as a sturdy tow strap.
What Mode Should the EV Be In?
Depending on your circumstances, this. You should put the EV in drive and possibly lower the regenerative braking level to something lower than its maximum level if it is close to or over the power and weight of the towing vehicle. The greatest additional miles of range per mile towed can be obtained by turning up the regen to its maximum setting, assuming there are no valid worries about the tow vehicle’s ability to tow the EV.
Given that its vehicles are naturally more likely to run out of fuel farthest from assistance, Rivian may have given this the greatest care. Because of this, the company offers a second, stronger regenerative braking level: tow the truck forward while in reverse.
At What Rate Does Flat-Tow Charging Occur?
Ford estimated that the F-150 Lightning or Mustang Mach-E will produce at least 9.2 kW at a manageable pace. During lengthy durability and development drives, where the vehicles occasionally went beyond their amazing range without access to a charger, Lucid had plenty of experience flat towing its Air sedan prototypes (often at durability-test tracks with no chargers). When being towed by a powerful support truck at 60 to 70 mph in maximum regen, Lucid saw charging rates of up to 200 kW. Lucid claimed that the vehicle should generate power at a rate of 100 kW when doing so. Reverse gear selection is supposed to charge a Rivian at speeds similar to a DC fast charger. The Tesla Model S, which has strong tow hooks, was flat-towed behind a Mercedes-AMG E55 at 70 mph and reported a 65-kW rate, while the AMG only got 5 mpg, as shown on the “Warped Perception” YouTube channel.
Bi-Directional “Jump Charging”
It’s important to point out that the Ford F-150 Lightning, Lucid Air, and Rivian R1T and R1S all provide bi-directional charging with a wire with CCS Combo 1 charging plugs on both ends. This implies that instead of potentially disastrous flat towing, you can just share some of your electricity with another EV if you pass one that has run out of juice.
Where to Fasten the Tow Rope?
The Rivian R1T and R1S have strong tow hooks appropriate for an adventure vehicle that may become trapped or be required to rescue another explorer. The Ford F-150 Lightning is similar. The tow hook itself and even a threaded hole to attach one into are absent, despite the fact that North American Mustang Mach-Es come with the round cut-out in the front bumper fascia for one, which is needed in international markets. Push-charging any car, SUV, or truck may cause significant body damage to both cars, and it’s unclear where a Lucid would be towed from at the front.
Potential Dangers of Flat-Tow Charging
Darren Palmer, Ford’s general manager of battery-electric vehicles, expressed serious concerns regarding potential risks associated with tow-strap breakage, tow-vehicle/towed-vehicle collision, and whether the electric vehicle’s system would report a fault under towing conditions when discussing flat-tow charging. He advised using a tow bar, but no one advises flat towing an EV behind an RV (any permanent-magnet electric motor creates back current that could harm the system, even when moved to neutral), so no one is going to attach one of those for an emergency flat-tow charge.
Ford Patent: Battery Charging by Towed Regenerative Braking
The patent US2021197673A1 by Ford Global Technologies LLC, which was published on July 1, 2021, describes a system for flat towing (via rigid connection, not rope), where an EV that is running low can request a tow charge and possibly couple to and decouple from the tow vehicle while in motion. It is clear that Palmer was not involved in the application for this patent. Now, that makes us worry about our safety.
What kinds of hybrid cars can be flat-towed?
The thought of putting in an electric toada towed vehicle you pull behind your motorhome in RV parlanceat the park and never having to refuel it is quite enticing. Will the brand-new Tesla 3 be able to be towed with all four wheels down?
We’re only now getting a look at the $35,000 Tesla 3, despite the fact that it has been in development for some time. It’s unlikely that it will be able to be towed with all four wheels down, popularly known as dinghy towing. Tesla does not allow its current production vehicles to be towed with the front wheels up; only on a flatbed. The warranty will be void if you tow with two or four wheels down.
You’re not completely out of luck, though. The Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi come very close to being the first all-electric cars that have manufacturer approval to be pulled 4-down, but they are not quite there yet. Because they are plug-in hybrids, you can practically drive them just like an electric car. They include an electric-only mode, and you can charge them overnight by plugging them into a regular 15-amp outlet. Although the range in electric-only mode is only approximately 20 miles, you can still use them to go where you need to go and switch to the gas engine as necessary. The C-max is a tempting alternative at roughly $27,000, including a potential $4000 tax credit, whereas the Fusion costs about $4000 more.
The Fusion and C-Max are also offered in a non-plug-in form that is simply referred to as the “Hybrid variant.” These are truly the only electric or hybrid cars that may be hauled with 4 wheels down without voiding the manufacturer warranty, according to Motorhome Magazine’s 2017 Dinghy Towing Guide. Before towing, you must run them for a minute, and once every six hours while traveling.
Some campgrounds might not allow electric vehicle charging, especially as they become more popular. As they aren’t made to support full loads on both at once, make sure to plug into your RV rather than the auxiliary 15-amp outlet on the campground’s box.
Which automobiles are flat-towed behind an RV?
Absolutely not! The biggest drawback of flat towing is that many ordinary vehicles cannot be used for it due to problems with various contemporary automobile transmissions. If you attempt to flat-tow a vehicle that isn’t made for it, your transmission could sustain significant damage.
Generally speaking, cars with a manual transfer case and rear-wheel drive, as well as those with four-wheel drive, can be flat towed without risk. Even so, these guidelines don’t always apply. The Motorhome Magazine Dinghy Towing Guide, which covers vehicles made during the previous 30+ years, is the greatest source for finding out which cars are permitted for flat towing.
Can a Kia Soul be towed behind an RV?
If it has a manual transmission, the 2021 Kia Soul can be flattowed with all four wheels down, claims Kia. The EZ5 Base Plate Kit is a perfect match for your Soul and will provide you detachable arms for a neat appearance when it’s not being towed.
Since the DCT may disengage and shift into neutral, the Kia Soul GT is the best solution for flat towing. In addition, it has a weight of 2,800 pounds, making it lightweight enough to be readily pulled by any RV.
Can you flat tow a 2020 Kia Soul?
I asked to see the owner’s manual last night at the dealership where I was about to buy a 2020 Kia Soul with a manual transmission. Page 6-24 makes the following clear:
Your vehicle is not intended to be dinghy towed behind a motor home while having all four wheels on the ground. Don’t tow your car with all four wheels on the ground to prevent major harm to it.
The 2020 Kia Soul, if it has the manual transmission, can be flat-towed with all four wheels down, according to Kia. The notice in the owner’s manual applies to automatic transmission versions only. However, I do advise you to get in touch with them directly before buying a new car. If you’d like, I’ve provided a list of the components you’ll need to flat-tow your Kia Soul below for your convenience.
A 2021 Kia Soul can flat tow?
Just purchased a manual-transmission Kia Soul 21. I see that you offer accessories for flat towing this vehicle, yet the owner’s manual says that older model years were designed for flat towing. Could you vouch for the safety of flat-towing a 2021 Soul with a manual? I tried a few dealerships, but they weren’t sure. When I contacted corporate Kia, they were unable to connect me with a professional. Thanks.
Because some vehicles can be flat-towed depending on their individual specifications, we have equipment available for flat towing a Kia Soul. We always follow our neighbors’ advice to adhere to their vehicle-specific rules. I wouldn’t try to flat-tow your 2021 Kia Soul if your vehicle’s owner’s manual specifically for that vehicle says you shouldn’t.
According to the information I have, a 2021 Kia Soul with a manual transmission can be flat-towed under particular circumstances and must be a FWD vehicle. All other configurations are not permitted.
The following is a list of the tow packages we have available if you need one:
The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BX2727, is what I advise because it is known to fit 2021 Kia Soul models.
An excellent tow bar with self-aligning arms that telescopic to automatically center and lock in place is the Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar, # BX7420.
I advise the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit, #RM-15267, for illumination. Please take note of the product installation video that is provided. By splicing this into your taillight wire, your tow vehicle will be able to control the towed vehicle’s taillight assemblies. This includes enough coiled wire to connect from the front of your towed car to the RV as well as a round 6-way connector.
The Blue Ox Patriot # BRK2019, which will apply the vehicle brakes according to how much the tow vehicle is braking, is my recommendation for additional braking that is mandated by law. The two vehicles will endure less damage and are stopped in the safest manner possible.
For the tow bar to be level when flat towing, you’ll probably also need a high low adaptor. Please refer to the help articles and links attached.
Which vehicle is the simplest to tow behind a motorhome?
A list of cars that fall under one or more of the aforementioned categories has been compiled. The top five vehicles for towing an RV are as follows:
Honda CR-V
Towing behind our camper is easy and convenient with our Honda CR-V.
We have to start with the Honda CR-V because, well, we’ve been towing the exact same one behind our RV for almost 20 years, and it’s been the ideal tow vehicle for us. We still adore the brand-new RV that we purchased particularly to travel in an RV full-time.
How Great They Are: This midsize SUV provides reasonable space (for passengers and/or cargo), comfort, good fuel economy, and simple agility on city streets or over more difficult terrain. It works well for day excursions and running errands. Depending on the year and drivetrain, the Honda CR-V can be flat, dolly, or trailer towed. All-wheel-drive models must be flat towed or trailer towed, whereas front-wheel-drive models can use all three options. Be sure to check tow guides and the owner’s manual for the particular model year to be sure.
They are useful, practically indestructible, and reasonably priced. Ours has never failed to deliver. Anywhere. Ever. Never once. You’d be shocked… or frightened… at some of the places we’ve taken ours! And when fitted with all-wheel-drive, are a remarkably capable all-weather and off-road vehicle, though they undoubtedly have their limitations.
ONE MASSIVE, DARK CAVEAT
Be warned that Honda CR-Vs manufactured after the 2014 model year are NOT flat-towable owing to changes made to the powertrain (Continuously Variable Transmissions). Come on Honda, we’d love to get a new CR-V as our toad, but we can’t get behind something that can’t be flat-towed. Even so, if you can find a decent pre-2015 model or don’t intend to flat tow, a CR-V can be the perfect vehicle for you.
Jeep Wrangler
When pulling an RV, the Jeep Wrangler is a popular choiceespecially if you want off-road excursions once you arrive at your destination.
How Great They Are: Off-road wizardry is the Jeep Wrangler. Jeeps can withstand some rough terrain if you intend to go off-roading while traveling in your RV. They are designed for incredibly difficult adventures while also offering cozy (and enjoyable!) transit for regular tasks. Any Jeep Wrangler may be flat-towed, and there are also options for towing a dolly or a trailer. As with any vehicle, make careful to confirm that towing is permitted in the owner’s manual for the model year and transmission combination you intend to use (and what procedures to follow).
Ford F-150
Tow it behind a motorhome OR use it to tow a travel trailer or fifth wheel! The Ford F150 is a flexible alternative! That’s especially useful if you’re unsure if you’ll stay with one type of RV for an extended period of time.
How Great They Are: The Ford F-150 is comfortable for daily use as well as great for venturing off the beaten path. When towing this vehicle behind your RV, the four-wheel-drive variants can be flat-towed and have more storage room in the truck bed. Additionally, you have all the convenience and adaptability that a pickup truck provides when it’s not being used as a towing vehicle, which may be essential for your “non-RVing existence!
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a wonderful daily driver and a great tow vehicle thanks to its light weight, comfort, and fun factor.
How Great They Are: The Honda Civic is a small, economical car that gets great gas mileage and has a smooth ride. It’s a fantastic automobile for both daily home driving and traveling with you on your next RV vacation.
All Civics have front-wheel drive, therefore you can dolly tow any of them, and you can flat tow some of the manual transmission cars in various model years. The towing capacity can be found in the car’s manual. And it’s true that Peter has a particular fondness for Hondas; he has owned SEVEN of them, including two exquisite motorbikes, and has never experienced any issues with any of them.
Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper is not only cute and enjoyable to drive, but it also makes a fantastic toad!
Why They’re Great: The Mini Cooper is a great option if you’re searching for a sporty, entertaining, and fuel-efficient tow vehicle. You might look forward to coming to your destination so you can go out and explore in this entertaining car, making it the ideal travel partner for your RV! We advise dolly towing the Mini Cooper because there are no model years that we are aware of that are officially permitted for flat towing.