Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid Behind an RV
Question:
Trying to decide on a 4 down towing combination: 2015 GeorgetownXL 360 and a 2018 Ford FusionHybrid. What is your recommendation: Roadmaster base plate with Roadmaster bar: Roadmaster base plate to fit Blue Ox bars or Blue Ox base plate and bar. Is there a difference in height after mounting either base plate. Because of the low ground clearance on the Ford, every bit would help. Thanks
asked by: Burt G
Expert Reply:
To flat tow your 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid it is best to match the base plates and the tow bar manufacturers. The height issue is not really an issue because there are hi-low adapters that will allow you to keep the tow bar level.
Right now the kits for your Fusion are all Blue Ox base plate kits. If your 2018 Ford Fusion is the Energi Hybrid or regular Hybrid you can use base plates # BLU44FR.
To fit the base plate kit go with the Blue Ox Alpha tow bar # BX7380 which comes with safety cables so you would not have to add any cables separately.
Next you will need lighting. The most popular option is a diode kit such as # RM-15267. Or you could save a few bucks and go with magnetic tow lights such as # RM-2120.
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.
The # RM-88400 relay 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
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6500 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Light Relay
- 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 >
Richard B.
7/10/2020
We have a 2019 Fusion Hybrid (not energi) we would like to flat tow. What parts are needed a to accomplish this? Camping world advises that Roadmaster does not have the seat bracket for the braking system. Is there another manufacturer that would work in our model? We need pricing on all necessary parts including the wiring to keep the battery charged. Thanks,