Flat Towing a 2015 Ford Explorer 4WD With Adaptive Cruise Control Behind a Motorhome

Question:

In searching on whether I can tow my 2015 Ford Explorer 4wd, your experts stated they checked and can be flat towed! Did your experts get this information from ford motor company?

asked by: Danny E

Expert Reply:

If you check your copy of the owner's manual it will give instructions on flat (or recreational) towing for your 2015 Ford Explorer. A copy can typically be found online which is where we look for that information.

The only time that a tow dolly is required when flat towing a 2015 Explorer with a 2.0L engine and front-wheel drive. For all other options, your Explorer can be flat towed.

Since we do not have any tow dollies that can accommodate the weight of your Explorer I will just make some recommendations for a flat towing setup. A complete flat towing setup will include a Base Plate Kit, Tow Bar, Safety Cables, Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring, a Supplemental Brake System, and typically a High-Low Adapter.

I recommend installing the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX2632 on your Explorer. It is compatible with all engine types and comes with removable arms for more of an OEM look when you are not flat towing. A great Tow Bar that is compatible is the Blue Ox Alpha # BX7380 which is rated for 6,500 lbs and comes with Safety Cables rated for the same weight capacity.

For Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring I recommend installing the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This will activate the lights on your Explorer for braking, turn signals, and running lights. Since your key will need to be in the accessory position you may also want to install the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25 and wire it to the middle pin position on the 6-Way connector to run a maintenance charge on your battery.

One of our favorite Supplemental Braking Systems is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251 due to how easy it is to use after the installation. It also stays out of the way when you are not flat towing.

In some cases a High-Low Adapter is needed so that you have a level flat towing setup. I have attached a helpful article to help you determine if you need one as well as a link to our selection of adapters should you need one.

Be sure to check out your copy of the owner's manual for any other specific instructions for flat towing your Explorer.

I have attached some installation videos that you can use to assist for setting up your Explorer to flat tow.