Can 2016 Ford Explorer Sport Be Flat-Towed

Question:

I have a 2016 Ford Explorer sport no adaptive cruise control. Can I flat tow this vehicle? Do I need a lube pump? Which base plate do you recommend

asked by: Mike L

Expert Reply:

According to the online edition of the Ford Owner's manual for the 2016 Explorer (pages 249 and 250), certain versions of the vehicle can be flat towed under specific conditions. The adaptive cruise control feature does not factor in, but Ford notes that FRONT-wheel-drive and FOUR-wheel-drive Explorers cannot be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground. Front-wheel-drive vehicles require a tow dolly like # RM-2050-1 to lift the front tires off the ground and four-wheel-drive versions must be towed on a car hauler to get all four tires off the ground.

I suggest you check with your local dealership on this point. Your dealer can check your Explorer's VIN to confirm the exact complement of equipment it had when it left the factory. This is the surest way to know what the vehicle can and cannot do.

For reference I have linked an article that covers all of the components needed for flat towing. These include a tow bar, safety cables, a wiring/lighting kit, and base plates and supplementary braking system for the towed car. Often a high/low adapter and wiring extension are also needed.

expert reply by: Adam R