Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2004 Ford E150 Econoline Van Behind Motorhome

Question

Question:

I want to flat tow a2004 Ford E150 Econoline van [V8] Motorhome is 2000 Fleetwood Bounder diesel with 2-inch receiver.

asked by: Alan W

0

Expert Reply:

We can help you with selection of each of the components required for safe and legal flat towing of a vehicle behind your motorhome. These include a tow bar, safety cables like the Roadmaster # RM-645 you referenced, a wiring/lighting solution, high/low hitch adapter, wiring extension and base plates and a braking system for the towed vehicle.

A good starting point for you is the linked article that covers each of these items in detail. You'll also want to check your van and motorhome owner's manuals. You'll need to make certain that the MH's hitch has the towing capacity required for the weight of your van. You also need to check your Ford manual to make certain that your particular van can be flat towed. Some transmission configurations can require a driveline disconnect or installation of a transmission lube pump before they can be flat towed without damage. The MH and auto makers can tell you the capacities for your particular vehicles as they are equipped.

For base plates I suggest the Roadmaster # 446-5 as they have removable arms that keep the van looking more like it's normal self. With these you can use their Falcon tow bar # RM-520. For safety cables use their coiled type # RM-643 that will not drag on the ground. For lighting use a simple and cost-effective magnetic base lighting kit like # TL21RK along with wiring extension kit # BX88254. For a braking system I suggest the Blue Ox Patriot wireless portable system # BLU37TR along with power outlet kit # RM-9332.

Tow bars need to be level or close to level to operate properly. Often a high/low hitch adapter is needed to keep the tow bar within 3-inches of level. These adapters can be seen on the link provided., such as Roadmaster High-Low Adapter # RM-076 which provides 6-inches of either rise or drop.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

You will need a few more things to be able to tow your E-150, the first thing you will want is a base plate kit, this is what attaches your vehicle to the tow bars like the RoadMaster Blackhawk 2 All Terrain Tow Bar #RM-422. Since I am not sure what…

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Answer 2

Normally what you would do is check the vehicle owners manual to determine if the vehicle can be flat towed. I checked a copy of the manual online but there were no references to recreational towing that I could find. Only emergency towing…

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Answer 3

When it comes to choosing between the Blue Ox Patriot #BLU37TR and the Brake Buddy Select 3 #HM39524, these systems are extremely similar in their setup and functionality. Both of these systems provide proportional braking in a compact and easy to…

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Answer 4

Both the Roadmaster and Blue Ox tow bars are great options. But if it was my decision to make I would go with the Blue Ox Avail part #BX7420 as we have found that the Blue Ox tow bars are a little easier to connect and disconnect from. Also this tow…

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Answer 5

I would be happy to! To flat tow your 2024 GMC Canyon Denali you will need the following parts: Tow Bar and Safety Chains - Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights item #RM-676 Base Plate Kit - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit…

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Answer 6

2024 models of the Chevy Equinox have the same steps listed as the 2023 models to get the vehicle ready to flat tow: 1. Position the vehicle to be towed and secure it to the towing vehicle. 2. Start the vehicle. 3. If equipped with AWD, engage the…

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Answer 7

Yes, a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado 4x4 is flat-towable with all four wheels down. It looks like all models come with the 2-speed transfer case which is needed to be flat-towed so you should not have any issues. I have attached a list of parts for you…

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Answer 8

I've dealt with this issue in the past and Roadmaster stated that there shouldn't be more than 1/8" gap, otherwise you'll get two much play and can start to get friction. Since you're right at 1/8" with the #RM-035-1…

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Answer 9

A 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 will need to have 4WD and a two-speed transfer case, which will need to be placed in neutral, in order to safely flat tow. Your owner's manual will have a list of instructions to follow to switch your transfer case…

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Answer 10

To flat tow a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 you will need the following parts: Tow Bar and Safety Chains - etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Direct-Connect Base Plate item #e84ZR Base Plate Kit - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms…

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Answer 11

Gen-Y's calculation for pin weight is a safe guess, but isn't the most accurate so the only way you'll get the correct capacity Gen-Y 5th Wheel Pin Box is to fully load the trailer and go to a commercial scale to measure the pin weight.…

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