Blue Ox Flat Towing Parts Needed for a 2014 Ford Explorer
Question:
I have a 2014 Explorer without adaptive cruise control and with the standard v6 engine. I own a blue ox avail tow bar. I would like to use a blue ox base plate. My concern is having to remove and discard the bumper of the explorer. By doing so, does that reduce the integrity of safety or strength of the explorer?
asked by: David W
Expert Reply:
For your 2014 Ford Explorer the Blue Ox base plate kit part # BX2632 has been confirmed as a fit. This base plate kit does basically replace the bumper beam of your vehicle. The fascia of the bumper will get trimmed, but that will not in any way affect the integrity of the bumper. For more info on the install I attached a link to a set of install instructions.
This will work well with your Blue Ox Avail tow bar part # BX7420.
For lighting you can use the diode kit part # RM-152 and not have to cut the taillight assemblies. You will also want the # BX88206 to connect this lighting solution to your tow vehicle. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.
And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot II, # BRK2016, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.
Most likely you will also need a high low adapter so that the tow bar will be level when you are flat towing. I attached a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.
I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing your vehicle.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 10000 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox 7-Wire to 6-Wire, Coiled Electrical Cord
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Adapters
- 7 Round - Blade to 6 Round
- Coiled Cord
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Flat Towing a 2015 Ford Explorer 4WD With Adaptive Cruise Control Behind a Motorhome
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Q&A: Can 2016 Ford Explorer Sport Be Flat-Towed
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2014 Ford Explorer
- Q&A: Comparing the Brake Buddy Classic 3 and Brake Buddy Select 3 Supplemental Brake Systems
- Q&A: Replacement Motor for Kwikee Steps Model 366043
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2012 Ford Explorer 4wd
- Article: Must-Have Flat Towing Components
- Article: Can You Flat Tow a Ford Ranger
- Article: Tow Bar Wiring: Which Wiring Kit is for You?
- Article: The Definitive, Step-by-Step Flat Towing Setup Guide
- Article: What Is a Supplemental Braking System?
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2020 Jeep Wrangler
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2005-2007 Jeep Liberty