Base Plate and Flat Towing Equipment Recommendation for 2016 Lincoln MKX

Question:

On your website it says for the Roadmaster 524447-4 base plate for 2016 Lincoln MKX No active shutters or Adaptive cruise control. On Roadmasters website for the same product it says Active shutters and adaptive cruise control OK. http://www.roadmasterinc.com/vehicle_guide/tow_bar_brackets.php MKX 16 524447-4 EZ4 Fits 2.7 EcoBoost and 3.7 models. Adaptive Cruise Control and Active Air Shutters okay. Can you please confirm who is correct? Also is this product in stock and available now?

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

Actually, in our fit guide we list the # 524447-4 base plates as being a fit for the 2016 Lincoln MKX regardless of whether it has the EcoBoost engine or the Adaptive Cruise Control with no mention of the air shutters. The base plate is indeed a fit for vehicles with the Active Air Shutters, and I'll have that information clarified.

According to my research, your 2016 Lincoln MKX is capable of being flat towed, but exceeding 65 mph is not recommended. There are very specific flat towing procedures mentioned in the owner's manual, so be sure to follow them carefully.

In addition to base plates, you'll also need a tow bar, safety cables, a wiring solution so the vehicle's taillights operate in tandem with those of the RV and a supplemental braking system. You might also need a high/low adapter if the tow bar is more than 3 inches plus or minus of level.

For a tow bar, I typically recommend the Roadmaster Falcon 2, part # RM-520. The Falcon 2 is a reasonably priced tow bar that offers self locking and centering arms that means the vehicle doesn't need to be perfectly centered behind the motorhome in order to hitch up. For safety cables, use # RM-643.

For a wiring solution, I'd go with either a magnetic mount lamp like # RM-2120 for easy installation or for a more permanent solution, go with the # HM56002 from Hopkins.

For a supplemental braking system, I really like the Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. It's a more involved insall but after that it's activated just by flipping a switch.

When the tow bar is installed, you'll want the towbar to be within 3 inches of level. The base plates will be 19 inches off the ground when installed, so depending on your hitch height you might need a high-low adapter. You'll need to determine the height difference between the hitch on your RV and 19 inches and then choose the proper high-low adapter to place the tow bar within 3 inches of level. I'll link you to our selection of high-low adapters.

I'll also link you to some FAQ articles about flat towing.