Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2016 Ford F-150 with Roadmaster Stowmaster Tow Bar

Question:

We have a Stowmaster 5000 tow bar that we were given and need to tow a 2016 Ford F-150 4x4 behind our motorhome. Can the Stowmaster 5000 be used for this? If so, which bracket set would we use? My father used this tow a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado and we have the mounting brackets for that are they the same? Thanks,

asked by: Dan P

Expert Reply:

The Roadmaster Stowmaster tow bar part # RM-501 has a 6k weight capacity so it would work to tow your 2016 Ford F-150 as the weights I looked up for it are between 4 and 5.2k.

For a base plate kit you would need to go with a new one since a kit from a Chevy truck would not fit. You would have to use the XL kit part # RM-524431-5 as that is what's compatible with your truck and the tow bar. If you were in need of safety cables you would then also need the part # RM-643 which are coiled.

For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed vehicle. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, that applies 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.

Most likely you will also need a high low adapter so that the tow bar will be level when you are flat towing. I attached a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.

I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing your vehicle.