Recommended Parts to Flat Tow a 2017 Ford F-150 4x4 Behind and RV
Question:
I am about to purchase the Roadmaster tow bar, RM-676.. Wiring kit RM-154.. Base Plate EZ5, RM-524431-5.. Am I correct that these will fit and work properly on my 2017 Ford F150 4X4? Other than a brake package will I need any thing else? I have these items in my cart and ready to pull the trigger.
asked by: Freddy R
Expert Reply:
The Roadmaster Nighthawk # RM-676 is an excellent tow bar choice. It is indeed compatible with the EZ5 base plates, # RM-524431-5, for your 2017 Ford F-150. Since the tow bar comes with safety cables you will not need to add any of those to your order.
Lighting kit # RM-154 will also work with the truck. This lighting kit uses 4-Way flat connectors so to use it with the 6-Way end on the tow bar's wiring you will also need connector # RM-910030-7 to mount to the front of the truck. Then you would just cut off the 4-Way end from the RM-154 wiring kit and wire it to the back of this 6-Way. There is also a bracket, # RM-910030-5, to increase the mounting location options of the connector.
At the back of the 6-Way where the wires attach the brown running light wire will go in the 12 o'clock position. The white ground wire will go to the 9 o'clock position. The yellow left turn/brake light wire will go to the 7 o'clock position. And the green right turn/brake light wire will go to the 5 o'clock position.
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.
For the braking system to work properly relay # RM-88400 is required to prevent the towed vehicle's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn. The RM-88400 relay is not required when using magnetic tow lights.
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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Light Relay
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Bent Electrical Socket Bracket
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 6-Wire Trailer Connector - Vehicle End
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Vehicle End Connector
- Plug Only
- 6 Round
- Roadmaster
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Aluminum
- 8000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Article: Must-Have Flat Towing Components
- Article: We Used 34 RV Tow Bars, and These are the Best for Flat Towing
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing Parts for a 2024 GMC Canyon Denali
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing Set Up for a 2019 Chevy Colorado
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Pintle-Hitches
- Q&A: Can a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox Front Wheel Drive Be Flat Towed With all 4 Wheels On The Ground?
- Q&A: Does The etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e86YR Need An Adapter For A Blue Ox Aventa II Tow Bar
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Q&A: Replacement Conversion Kit For Motor For # 781005
- Q&A: Determining Replacement Hub And Bearings For Dexter P-12 SLR Trailer Axle