Trystan Casey
The Kia Soul EV has no official towing capacity, but some users have reported successfully towing with a 2015 or 2016 model. However, it is important to note that the electric variant of the Kia Soul is heavier than its diesel counterpart due to the batteries, which could limit its towing capacity. There are also potential issues with the regen module and transmission when towing long distances in reverse. When towing a Kia Soul EV, it is recommended to keep all four wheels off the ground, with the handbrake disengaged. For automatic transmission models, a towing dolly such as the RoadMaster Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes can be used, but this requires an electric brake controller.
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What You'll Learn
Towing a Kia Soul with automatic transmission
The Kia Soul with automatic transmission cannot be flat-towed with all wheels on the ground. Your best option for towing the Soul is to use a towing dolly, such as the RoadMaster Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes, part # RM-2050-1. This product is adjustable and includes electric trailer brakes, radial tires, adjustable wheel nets, tail/brake lights, and a 6-way round trailer connector. Since the front wheels are kept off the ground, there is no need to alter your vehicle by installing base plates or disconnecting your drivetrain. Your car remains drivable at all times.
When using a tow dolly, you will need to use an electric brake controller that mounts inside the towing vehicle and activates the dolly brakes when the vehicle's brakes are applied. One such controller is the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885, which also requires a wiring kit, part # ETBC6.
If you have a 2016 Kia Soul with Sportmatic automatic transmission, you can use either of the two Roadmaster Tow Dollys as long as you have 16-inch wheels. The 17 or 18-inch wheels will not work.
It is important to note that some sources indicate that the Kia Soul EV has no towing capacity, while others mention successful experiences with towing using a 2016 Soul EV. There is also the possibility of adding a tow hitch to a car's specification, depending on the country.
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Dolly towing a Kia Soul
Dolly towing is a convenient way to transport your Kia Soul without adding mileage to the odometer or wearing down the tires. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to dolly tow a Kia Soul:
Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary equipment: a tow dolly, towing straps or chains, and safety equipment like towing lights and reflectors. Some tow dollies come with built-in lighting systems, while others require you to install temporary use lights. Check your local regulations to ensure your tow setup complies with the law. You will also need to refer to your Kia Soul owner's manual for specific instructions and guidelines regarding towing your particular model.
Park the tow dolly in a flat, level area, ideally on a paved surface. Ensure the dolly is securely parked and engage the parking brake. The dolly should have a ramp to drive the Kia Soul onto. If your dolly doesn't have a ramp, you may need to use a hydraulic lift or a set of car ramps to raise the front end of the vehicle and drive it onto the dolly.
Position the Kia Soul so that its front wheels are aligned with the dolly's wheel stops or tire cradles. The wheel stops should be adjustable to accommodate different tire sizes. Carefully drive the vehicle onto the dolly until the front tires securely rest against the wheel stops. Apply the parking brake on the Kia Soul and put the transmission in neutral.
Secure the towing vehicle to the dolly according to the dolly manufacturer's instructions. This usually involves attaching the dolly to the towing vehicle's hitch and securing it with a hitch pin. Ensure all connections are tight and secure. Connect the safety chains or cables between the towing vehicle and the dolly as an additional safety measure.
Use towing straps or chains to secure the rear wheels of the Kia Soul. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper attachment points on the vehicle. Ensure the straps or chains are crossed at the center to provide a firm connection. Tighten the straps or chains sufficiently to prevent any movement or slack during towing.
Finally, check all connections and ensure that the Kia Soul is securely attached to the dolly and the towing vehicle. Inspect the lighting systems to ensure they are functioning properly. Test the brakes and ensure that the tow dolly's brakes are working in tandem with the towing vehicle's brakes. Slowly drive away, keeping a close eye on the towed vehicle and monitoring for any unusual noises or movements.
Remember to follow all safety precautions and regulations when dolly towing your Kia Soul. Each tow dolly and vehicle may have unique requirements, so always refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturers.
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The legalities of towing an electric vehicle
Electric vehicles (EVs) have different towing requirements than traditional cars, and the process is more complicated. Firstly, it is important to consult the owner's manual for the correct towing instructions to reduce the risk of damage to the vehicle. Towing an EV incorrectly can cause serious damage to the battery, motor, and drivetrain components.
One key difference when towing an EV is that the tires must not touch the ground during the process. This is because electric motors generate power when the wheels are spinning, and even if the car has a neutral mode, the motor may still be connected to the wheels. Therefore, flatbed trucks are generally recommended for towing EVs, as the vehicle's wheels are kept completely off the ground. Some manufacturers, like Tesla, advise enabling Transport Mode before winching the vehicle onto a flatbed truck. If a flatbed truck is unavailable, self-loading dollies or tire skates can be used to keep the wheels from spinning.
It is worth noting that not all electric cars are legally permitted to tow trailers. Licensing rules were changed in December 2021, allowing most drivers to tow a trailer without additional training. However, towing capacity is set during Type Approval, an assessment that new models undergo before going on sale. If a vehicle has not been approved for towing, it is illegal to use it to pull a trailer, even if it is physically capable. Additionally, most electric vehicles that are approved for towing can only pull unbraked trailers up to a certain weight limit, and the capacity for braked trailers is typically lower for EVs than for traditional fuel-burning vehicles.
Regarding the specific case of towing a Kia Soul, it is recommended to use a towing dolly for the 2016 Kia Soul with Sportmatic automatic transmission with 16-inch wheels. However, it is important to consult the owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the specific model and year of the Kia Soul in question.
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The weight considerations of towing an electric vehicle
The weight considerations are crucial when towing an electric vehicle (EV) like the Kia Soul. Firstly, it's important to note that not all EVs, including some models of the Kia Soul, are certified or designed for towing. Manufacturers must specifically test their EVs to ensure their electrical systems can handle the strain of pulling a heavy load. Therefore, it is essential to check if your EV is ""type-approved"" for towing, ensuring that it has undergone the necessary testing to safely handle the additional load.
When considering the weight aspects of towing with an EV, several factors come into play. Firstly, the total weight, including the vehicle, trailer, and cargo, needs to be within the towing capacity of your EV. EVs tend to have a lower towing capacity compared to traditional diesel or petrol vehicles due to their heavier weight, especially with the batteries included. As a result, the total weight being towed can impact the towing dynamics and range of your EV. For example, towing, especially in winter, can reduce the range of an EV by up to 60%, depending on factors like load weight, terrain, and driving style.
Proper weight distribution is another critical aspect of towing with an EV. When towing, the weight shifts from the front to the rear axle during acceleration, which can affect the drivetrain and traction of the vehicle. Additionally, during braking, the trailer weight shifts to the tongue, impacting the regeneration and steering of the EV. Therefore, it is essential to consider the weight distribution to ensure safe towing and avoid potential damage to the vehicle.
To enhance safety, it is recommended to use a trailer equipped with its own braking system, known as braked towing capacity, for heavier loads. This ensures that the trailer can contribute to slowing down or stopping, reducing the strain on the EV's regenerative braking system. The braked towing capacity refers to the maximum weight your EV can tow with a braked trailer. On the other hand, unbraked towing capacity refers to the maximum weight that can be safely towed without a trailer braking system, which is typically much lower.
Lastly, it is important to consider the impact of instant torque on weight considerations when towing with an EV. Instant torque can provide powerful acceleration, but when combined with a high total weight, it may potentially damage components. Therefore, it is crucial to stay within the recommended towing capacity and ensure your EV is rated to handle the weight of your trailer and cargo.
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The wheels and brakes of a towed Kia Soul
If you have a Kia Soul with automatic transmission, it is recommended to use a towing dolly, such as the RoadMaster Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes, to keep the front wheels off the ground. This eliminates the need for modifications like base plate installation or drivetrain disconnection. The dolly's electric brakes are activated when the towing vehicle's brakes are applied, ensuring safe and effective braking during the tow.
For a Kia Soul with manual transmission, flat towing with all four wheels on the ground is an option. However, it is crucial to refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions. Some sources suggest that flat towing a manual transmission Kia Soul is possible by putting it in neutral, unlocking the steering, and engaging the braking system.
When towing a Kia Soul, it is important to ensure that the handbrake is off, especially when the front wheels are off the ground. The parking brake operates on the rear wheels, so leaving it engaged can cause issues during towing. Additionally, the transmission selector position becomes irrelevant when the front wheels are lifted, as the car is front-wheel drive.
In summary, the wheels and brakes of a towed Kia Soul require careful attention. Using a tow dolly for models with automatic transmission or flat towing with proper preparations for manual transmission models are recommended options. Remember to refer to the owner's manual and follow specific instructions for your Kia Soul's model year and transmission type.
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Frequently asked questions
The Kia Soul EV "officially" has no towing capacity. However, there is evidence of people successfully towing with a 2015 or 2016 Kia Soul EV.
No, a Kia Soul EV cannot be flat towed. It is recommended to tow with all four wheels off the ground.
The best way to tow a Kia Soul EV is to use a towing dolly, such as the RoadMaster Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes. This product is adjustable and includes electric trailer brakes, radial tires, adjustable wheel nets, tail/brake lights, and a 6-way round trailer connector.
When towing a Kia Soul EV, it is important to ensure that the handbrake is off and that the car is in neutral. Additionally, keep in mind that towing can impact the range of the vehicle, especially in winter.
No, a Kia Soul with automatic transmission cannot be flat towed. It can be towed on a dolly, such as the Roadmaster Tow Dolly, as long as it has 16-inch wheels.
