What Is Needed For Flat Towing A 2009 Mercury Mariner Behind A Motorhome With A Stowmaster Tow Bar
Question:
I have a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee that I tow behind my Class C motor home with a Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000. I am looking at trading the Jeep for a 2009 Mercury Mariner. What do I need to adapt the tow bar to the Mariner?
asked by: Pat J
Expert Reply:
To attach the Roadmaster StowMaster 5000 tow bar to your 2009 Mercury Mariner you will need the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit, part # 4406-1. These base plates will install on your Mariner and once the drawbars are removed, the remaining brackets are virtually invisible.
To complete the towing set up for your Mariner, you will also need safety cables, and lighting. For safety cables, I recommend RoadMaster 64 inch Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables, # RM-643. The base plates provide attachment points for the cables. The other end will attach to the hitch on the towing vehicle.
For lights, there are a couple of options. If you do not plan on towing the truck often, I recommend magnetic light kit # RM-2120. If you do plan on towing it frequently, I recommend installing Hopkins Isolating Diode System, # 38955. I have included a video along with a couple of FAQ articles on tow bar wiring that should help in choosing the best light kit for your application along with how to go about wiring them.
You might also be interested in purchasing a Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Proportional Braking System, part # RM-9400. Some states have laws that do require a supplemental braking system when flat towing a vehicle. This system installs quickly so you are ready to go in minutes. It engages the towed vehicle brakes proportionally to how much the towing vehicle is braking, reducing wear of both vehicles brakes.
Finally, you will need to check with the manufacturer and/or your vehicle owners manual for instructions on the proper procedure for towing your vehicle because some vehicles must be equipped with a transmission lube pump, an axle disconnect, drive line disconnect, or free-wheeling hubs before they can be towed.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tail Light Isolating Diode System with Wiring Harness
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Hopkins
more information >
Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Hose - FIF and 90-Degree Male Fittings w/ Stainless Flares - 1.5'
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Hose - 3/16" Male Fittings w/ Stainless Flares - 1/8" ID - 1.5'
- Shop: Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Hose - Straight and 90-Degree Male Fittings w/ Stainless Flares - 1.5'
- Shop: Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Hose - 3/16" Male Fittings w/ Stainless Flares - 1/8" ID - 1'
- Shop: Replacement Seal for Kodiak XL ProLube Kit for 5,200-lb to 8,000-lb Axles
- Search Results: kodiak seal
- Search Results: kodiak
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Connector
- Search Results: kodiak brakes
- Shop: Advent Air RV Air Conditioner System - Manual - 13,500 Btu - White
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Front Mount Hitch
- Video: Best 2012 Ford Escape Hitch Options
- Search Results: rubber spring suspension
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: front
- Search Results: base plates
- Search Results: front hitch
- Q&A: Does the Draw-Tite Hitch # 75751 fit under the Spare of a 2009 Ford Escape
- Q&A: 2 inch Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2012 Ford Escape
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2016-2018 Ford Focus
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Video: Trailer Hitch Installation - 2012 Ford Escape - Draw-Tite 75751
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch For 2012 Ford Escape
- Q&A: How To Flat-Tow a Chevrolet HHR SS