Base Plate Kit, Tow Bar, Safety Cables, and Wiring Needed to Flat Tow a 2008 Ford Fusion  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit, # 4411-1, is just the first piece of the puzzle to flat tow your 2008 Ford Fusion. Please note that this base plate kit will only work if you have a manual transmission. If you have an automatic, skip to the end. If you do have a manual transmission, there are several more pieces to the puzzle but do not worry, I will help you find the edges.

This base plate kit is compatible with tow bars that accept the XL series. I recommend the RoadMaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, # RM-520. This tow bar will fit the base plate kit and has a capacity of 6,000 pounds. I have included a link to a video review and the installation details below.

Next, you will need a good set of safety cables. Safety cables are required by law and are used in case the vehicle becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle. I recommend RoadMaster 68 inch Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables, # RM-643. This comes with two cables; on each, one end has a hook and the other end has a quick link for easy installation. They have a capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The puzzle is starting to come together, but there are just a few more pieces before we can see the big picture. You will also need a lighting kit. Lighting kits are also required by law because the tow vehicles lights will be obscured by the Fusion. I recommend Magnetic Towing Light Kit, # RM-2120. This is a 20 foot long magnetic kit with lights that will stick to any metallic surface. One end plugs into a 4-Way connector at the back of the tow vehicle. The lights will then function with the tow vehicles lights.

If you plan on doing a lot of towing, you might want to consider wiring the Fusion with diodes. For this application, I recommend the Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit, # RM-154. I have included a video installation of this product below.

There is just one piece of the puzzle left, and it is a big, important piece. The last piece is information. You will need to check with the manufacturer for instructions on the proper procedure for towing your vehicle because some vehicles must be equipped with a transmission lube pump, an axle disconnect, drive line disconnect, or free-wheeling hubs before they can be towed.

Now the puzzle is complete and we can finally see what the picture is. Its you! Safely towing your 2008 Ford Fusion behind your RV!

If you have an automatic transmission there is still a way to tow it. You can use a tow dolly, like the RoadMaster Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes, # RM-2050-1. To utilize the electric brake feature on this tow dolly, you will need to add a brake controller. You could also use a small car trailer. You will just have to make sure the hitch on the RV has a high enough weight capacity and tongue weight capacity for this application.

expert reply by: Michael H

0