Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2011 Ford Explorer Behind a Motor Home
Question:
do i have to drill new holes in the ford explorer frame, etc to attach this baseplate design
asked by: Russell
Expert Reply:
You should not have to drill new holes in your 2011 Ford Explorer to install base plates # 4427-1A. But there are some holes that will need to be enlarged, a bracket that will have to be modified, and some fascia trimming to complete the installation. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you to view.
In addition to the base plates you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. For a tow bar I recommend the Falcon 2, # RM-520. It has a 6,000 pound capacity and telescoping arms for easier hook-up. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.
For lighting you could use a simple magnetic kit such as # RM-2120. Or for something more permanent you can use the 6-diode kit, # 154-792-118158. If you will be towing the Explorer frequently the diode kit is the way to go because once installed you will not have to set it up again.
And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers 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.
I have also included 2 helpful links to our help articles on flat towing for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster 6-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles with Separate Lighting
- 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 Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- 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 Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Mounting Hardware Only for Thule Hullavator Kayak Carrier
- Q&A: Replacement Parts for JTs Strong Arm Jack Stabilizer
- Q&A: Trailer Brake Controller Wiring Adapter for 2019 Chevy Suburban With Factory Tow Package
- Q&A: Availability of Kayak Carriers for Toyota Camry Without a Roof Rack
- Q&A: Replacement Towers for a Thule Tracker II Roof Rack Track System
- Q&A: Size of Hole Saw Needed to Install Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Trailer Connector on 2012 Ford F250
- Q&A: Is a Weight Distribution System Needed for a 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Towing a Coachman Freedom
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Video: Best 2011 Ford Explorer Flat Tow Options - Wiring
- Video: Roadmaster MX Base Plate Installation - 2011 Ford Explorer
- Shop: Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Shop: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 4-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Article: What Is a Supplemental Braking System?
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Search Results: 68149
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Roadmaster Tow Bar Wiring - Splices into Vehicle Wiring - RM-15267 Review
- Search Results: 25580
- Video: Blue Ox Patriot Radio Frequency Portable Braking System Review
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class