Parts to Flat Tow 2016 Ford Fiesta Behind Class C Motorhome & for Kayak Transport
Question:
My husband and I own a 2006 fleetwood jamborie class c motorhome. We are considering buying a 2016 ford fiesta se because it seems to be relatively easy to tow. what would you suggest for a towing package? My second question is that I would like to purchase 2 single kayaks to carry on our travels. How would you carry these? it appears you can only transport one on top of the ford fiesta. is there a way to transport them on the motor home? How would you get them up/down? We are in our 60s and looking for easy and not so heavy solutions. Should we purchase a different vehicle? My husband will not drive stick and neither of us are very mechanically inclined. Dodge dart is also in question but in our research it appears that we would need the 1.4 liter turbo engine with DDCT automatic transmission. We have not found a good review on that transmission. ????? any and all suggestions appreciated
asked by: Jill A
Expert Reply:
We can help you equip your soon-to-be Ford Fiesta for flat towing behind your Class C motorhome. According to the online edition of the owner's manual (page 152) the car can safely be flat towed. Please refer to the linked articles on flat towing for more information on the items needed and do check the manual for your own car.
Let's start with base plates. The linked page displays all base plates for the various versions of the car. You can choose your version using the drop-down menu tool. As an example, for a non-ST model without EcoBoost I suggest the Blue Ox kit # BX2622, shown in the linked installation video. With it you can use their Alpha tow bar # BX7380 which includes the required safety cables.
For a wiring/lighting kit I suggest the low-cost easy-install magnetic light kit # TL21RK which takes only moments to install. It requires no cutting into the car's wiring. For a supplemental braking system we really like the Blue Ox Patriot system # BLU37TR which offers wireless operation and portability, so if you change vehicles you can easily transfer the Patriot to the new car. You'll also need 12V outlet kit # RM-9332.
You'll also need a high/low hitch adapter to keep the connected tow bar level (or at least within 3-inches of level). The included article will help you select the correct one from the linked page, such as the Blue Ox # BX88132 as an example.
As for the two kayaks, your best option is to use the Fiesta's roof, as you noted. Since roof weight capacity on a smaller car can be limited, you'll want to select your watercraft carefully to ensure two of them won't overload the roof. (I have two 10-foot beginner kayaks which weigh 40-lbs apiece; two of these should be okay on the car, but check the manual to be sure of the weight rating.)
To avoid overloading the car's roof I suggest lightweight (and inexpensive!) foam block carriers like those on the linked page, such as # MPG152. These will use up almost none of the roof's weight capacity so if your two kayaks are close to the roof weight limit these are a great option. If you are making long highway drives you'll want to use additional tie-downs like # TH855XT to keep the kayaks stable on the Fiesta.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6500 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 10" Rise/Drop - 11-1/2" Long
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Adapters
- High-Low Adapter
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 10 Inch Rise/Drop
- Blue Ox
more information >
Malone Deluxe Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs - Foam Block Style - 18" Long
- Watersport Carriers
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- Foam Blocks
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Factory Bars
- Naked Roofs
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- No Load Assist
- Malone
more information >
Thule Quick Draw Tie-Down Ropes w/ Ratchets and Strap Loops - 13' - Qty 2
- Accessories and Parts
- Watersport Carriers
- Bow and Stern Straps
- Thule
more information >
Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Optronics
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
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on Tow Bar Base Plate
