I presently tow a 2014 KIA Soul manual shift behind my 24 ft Class C rv with no problem. I take off the emergency, put it in neutral and turn the key only I time. Can I do the same with an automatic transmission? I have called several KIA dealers but get different answers. I called the KIA plant in Georgia and they said no! Can I do something to the transmission to allow me to keep all 4 wheels on the ground? I do not want to use a tow dolly to lift the front 2 tires.

I don't own a Kia but in this situation I would follow the advice of the manufacturer before I would follow the advice I got on this forum (or even a dealer). But, if you are just looking for someone else to ok what you want to do anyways (seeing as you already got the manufacturers input) - go ahead, let us know in a year or two how it works out.

There are things available to tow your Kia 4 down.Check with Remco Industries. You can check on their site as to what you need to do to your Kia.Otherwise, if it's a front wheel drive, a dolly or trailer is your only option.I agree with wing_zealot, if the manufacturer tells you not to tow 4 down, don't do it.

Very few automatic cars can be towed 4 down, without going to something from Remco.Mark

If they say no, it will void the warranty. I wouldn't risk it. There are other vehicles with automatic that you can tow 4 down. http://192.168.1.1:8181/http://www.royrobinsonrv.com/images/pdf/DinghyGuide2015.pdf

Moved to Dinghy Towing forum from Towing.

Towing an automatic car with all 4 wheels on the ground?

18 Replies

kjburns
Explorer
Jul 23, 2015
There are lots of cars with automatics that can be flat towed. Pretty much all of them are from domestic manufacturers. I've towed a few Jeeps and currently tow a 2014 Ford Focus Titanium. The Focus requires the negative cable being disconnected, but a simple disconnect switch makes that a 10 second operation. It's very easy to hook up and go.
MARKW8
Explorer
Jul 23, 2015
I wasn't referring to fuses or turning the key. It was about lube pumps or drive shaft disconnects. Not everyone wants GM or Ford. I currently tow a Jeep Wrangler, probably as easy as there is to set up. It's not a car for everyone though.

Mark
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jul 22, 2015
lanerd wrote:

"Jumping through hoops". Interesting description of pulling a fuse and/or turning the key to ACC.

Ron

Yep, I always recommend not buying something that needs modification such as a tranny pump or disconnect, but some folks fuss if they have to pull a fuse (which can be automated) or start it every 300 miles. :)
bumpy
lanerd
Explorer II
Jul 22, 2015
MARKW8 wrote:
lanerd wrote:
MARKW8 wrote:
Very few automatic cars can be towed 4 down, without going to something from Remco.

Mark

Mark, with all due respect, this is simply not true. Almost all GM auto trans vehicles can be towed 4-down as well as many Ford and Chrysler products. It's the import vehicles that an auto trans restricts towing 4-down.

Ron

Yep, I have a 2015 Chevy Malibu that can be towed. That said, It seems even Ford has backed off some models after saying it was ok. On the whole, there are a lot of mid size and smaller cars that can't be without jumping thru hoops or not at all.

Mark

The only Ford model I'm aware of that they said could be towed and then backed off of was the Escape, and that was only for a couple of years of production. That problem was the transmission that was co-developed with GM that was also installed on the Chevy Cruise. Both now have different transmissions.

"Jumping through hoops". Interesting description of pulling a fuse and/or turning the key to ACC.

We rented a Malibu last year... great little car.

Ron
lryrob9301
Explorer
Jul 22, 2015
AS per Remco Towing:
2014 Kia Soul + FWD I-4 2.0L cyl 6-Speed Automatic A6MF1/A6GF1
Notes
•Must be towed on a tow dolly. Please confirm in owner's manual.

No mention of lube pump availability. So your out of luck towing it 4-down.
MARKW8
Explorer
Jul 22, 2015
lanerd wrote:
MARKW8 wrote:
Very few automatic cars can be towed 4 down, without going to something from Remco.

Mark

Mark, with all due respect, this is simply not true. Almost all GM auto trans vehicles can be towed 4-down as well as many Ford and Chrysler products. It's the import vehicles that an auto trans restricts towing 4-down.

Ron

Yep, I have a 2015 Chevy Malibu that can be towed. That said, It seems even Ford has backed off some models after saying it was ok. On the whole, there are a lot of mid size and smaller cars that can't be without jumping thru hoops or not at all.

Mark
janstey58
Explorer
Jul 21, 2015
I have towed my 2012 Ford Escape Auto AWD for over 10K miles no problems!
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jul 21, 2015
GMandJM wrote:
philh wrote:
... A driver must be in the towed vehicle to operate the steering and brakes.

Wow - that would be a deal breaker. ;)

I think the real deal breaker is the part about a 1 mile limit at 30?mph or whatever.
bumpy
lanerd
Explorer II
Jul 21, 2015
Obviously what Philh wrote was NOT in the Recreational Towing section of the Owner's Manual. Altho, there have been times when my DW wanted me to be in the toad while she's driving the MH.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jul 21, 2015
plenty of vehicles out there that can be towed 4 down without modifications, etc. Get one.
bumpy