Easiest to Install Base Plates For 2017 Ford F-150 For Flat Towing

Question

Question:

For a 2017 F150 - What is the difference between part number e86yR and e98961? They see to be the same. We are looking for the simplest installation of the tow brackets for a DIY

asked by: Sherri L

0

Expert Reply:

The two are indeed the same (just switching part numbers), and the simplest base plate installation for your 2017 Ford F-150 are absolutely these:

- etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e86YR

The reason the # e86YR base plates are the easiest install on your '17 F-150 is because they do not require the removal of your truck's bumper, which other base plates do. They will install right where your tow hooks are, bolting on and replacing the hooks on your truck. But for a DIY install, these are definitely the way to go. If you need other parts to flat tow your 2017 F-150, I'll go ahead and list them out for you:

- Tow Bar: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e34ZR

- Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267

- Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25

- Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Motorhomes # RM-156-75 (if your motorhome does not have one)

- Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-88400

- Supplemental Braking System: Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # DM86VR

The SD tow bar is compatible with the base plates and comes with integrated safety cables and an adjustable tilting head so a high-low adapter won't be needed. Having these features on a tow bar means you won't have to purchase them separately, saving you additional expenses.

I really like the Flexo-Coil wiring kit because it is designed to prevent any type of electrical feedback, keeping your Ford's electrical system safe. The Charge Line Kit is needed because your F-150's battery needs to be disconnected, and the Brake-Lite Relay is needed to prevent your F-150's brake signal from overriding the turn signal.

As for the braking system, the Stay-IN-Play DUO is by far the best option, and the reason for that is it gives you braking proportional to that of your motorhome. So when you hit the brakes on your motorhome, your F-150 is going to get the same amount of braking power. This results in much smoother braking than most systems which send out a pre-set amount of braking power, giving you a more comfortable and easier-to-control ride when flat towing.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Answer 1

I really like our etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit #e86YR for your 2023 Ford F-150 because it has a really clean looking installation and it pairs up nicely with our etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar #e94ZR that has an easy latching system and an…

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Answer 2

The Air Lift Ride Control Air Helper Springs part #AL59570 which are a fit for your 2016 Ford F-150 should not really affect the ride quality while the airbags are deflated. How much air pressure are you running while unloaded? The minimum and what I…

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Answer 3

With the information that you have supplied, the 2016 Ford F-150 Air Lift Ride Control Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle #AL59570 will give you up to 2,000 lbs of load-leveling support. Part #AL59570 will work on the rear for either 2 wheel drive or 4…

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Answer 4

While that is a clever solution the reason you don't want to do that is because in the event of a disconnect on the highway the breakaway system designed to activate the towed vehicles brakes would lose power and the vehicle wouldn't stop…

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Answer 5

The etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit #e86YR is compatible with compatible with all etrailer, Demco, and Blue Ox tow bars so you won't need an adapter to connect to your Aventa II tow bar.

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Answer 6

With an air suspension kit like the Air Lift kit part #AL88385 you will have to constantly be changing the air pressure in the bags to allow you the best possible ride height. There won't be one air pressure setting that will work in all…

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Answer 7

To fit the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms #e86YR and be rated for the weight of your 2016 Ford F-150 Lariat I recommend the etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,500lbs #e94ZR. This tow bar has…

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Answer 8

Not all RV's come with a fully functional 7 way connector, so you'll want to test your 7 way trailer plug blade at 1- o'clock position when looking at the plug face. If this pin is not receiving power from the trailer battery then…

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Answer 9

Blue Ox does not have multiple color options for their tow bar covers like what fits your Ascent #BX4370. Only option would be the part #BX88309.

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Answer 10

For a complete flat towing setup on a 2018 Ford F-150, you will need a number of components, including base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, wiring for indicator lights, and a supplemental braking system. While we carry the Blue Ox brand for many…

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Answer 11

The first thing you need to flat tow your 2018 Ford F-150 4WD is a base plate kit that is custom fit for your truck like with the part #BO74FR which is the easiest to use overall. In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow…

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Answer 12

In order to flat-tow a 2017 Ford F-150 you'll need a few different components such as base plates, tow bar, safety cables, braking system, and lighting. I have attached a list of these for you below with options that require the least amount of…

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