Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2017 Ford Explorer with Adaptive Cruise Control Behind an RV

Question:

I need a base plate for a 2017 Ford Explorer with adaptive cruise control. I would like an alternative to disconnecting the battery cable.

asked by: John H

Expert Reply:

For base plates for your 2017 Ford Explorer with adaptive cruise control you can use # RM-524446-5. Please note that the base plates are not compatible with models that have active air shutters. To use them with a vehicle with active air shutters that feature would have to be disabled and you would leave the air shutters open all the time.

For a tow bar I recommend the popular Falcon 2 # RM-520 which is rated up to 6,000 pounds. I have linked a video featuring this tow bar for you. For safety cables I recommend # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.

For lighting you can avoid splicing into the vehicle wiring by using a magnetic kit such as # RM-2120. If you don't mind splicing into the vehicle wiring then a more permanent solution is a diode kit such as # TR118821.

According to the vehicle owner's manual the battery has to be disconnected to flat tow the 2017 Ford Explorer so I can't recommend you go against that. But I can make it easier for you. You can use quick battery disconnect kit # RM-766 which will automatically disconnect the vehicle battery when connected to the RV.

Then, to run a maintenance charge to the battery from the RV add charge line # RM-156-25 and attach it to the running light circuit coming from the RV to the lighting connector at the front of the Explorer. You will have to have the running lights on the RV on all the time though in order for there to be power running through that charge line to the battery.

You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply 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.

Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.