Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2017 Ford Explorer Behind an RV and Vehicle Procedure

Question:

I am looking at a 4-wheel drive 2017 Explorer to tow behind our RV. Your answer on parts required was most helpful. But do I need to disconnect the drive shaft? I do not have the manual so it is unclear if there is a setting on the 4-wheel drive control that puts the transfer case in neutral. Any information you can offer would be appreciated.

asked by: John S

Expert Reply:

I found an online version of the owners manual for your 2017 Ford Explorer and pulled out the parts that talk about the flat towing procedures:

If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground:
Tow only in the forward direction.
Release the parking brake.

Vehicles with Keyless Start

Start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal, and then pressing the keyless start button until the vehicle starts.
Press the brake pedal and shift the gearshift into neutral (N).
Turn the vehicle off by pressing the keyless start button once.
Disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery. You need the door key to lock and unlock doors when the battery cable is disconnected. See Changing the 12V Battery.

Note: The anti-theft system does not work until you reconnect the battery cable.
Start the engine within 15 minutes of reconnecting the battery cable.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key

Start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal, and then turning the ignition key until the vehicle starts.
Press the brake pedal and shift the transmission into neutral (N).
Turn off your vehicle by turning the ignition key past the accessory position. The key position is between the accessory and off positions. See Ignition Switch.
Disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery. See Changing the 12V Battery.
Note: The anti-theft system does not work until you reconnect the battery cable.
Start the engine within 15 minutes of reconnecting the battery cable.

For the 2017 Ford Explorer (not the Sport edition and without Adaptive Cruise Control) you can use the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate kit # RM-524445-5. This is a confirmed fit on your 2017 model year. Blue Ox does not currently offer an option.

Base plates are just one of the components needed for safe and legal flat towing. The linked article covers each of these components which also include a tow bar, safety cables, a lighting/wiring kit, a supplementary braking system and a high/low hitch adapter. An article on these adapters is linked too.

I suggest the Roadmaster Falcon 2 motorhome-mount tow bar # RM-520. For safety cables use the coiled type # RM-643. For a no-splicing lighting option use magnetic light kit # MT70097. For a braking system we really like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR which is wireless and portable. With this you'll need Stop Light Switch # RM-751000 and also 12 Volt Outlet Kit # RM-9332.