How to Flat-Tow a 2009 Ford F-350 with Four Wheels Down
Question:
I need to tow a Ford f350 2009 I want to know what kind of tow bar I need for my truck On my truck label by the door I have this Front gavr 4600 Rear. Gavr 8500 So Im confuse about what I need
asked by: Carlos
Expert Reply:
The (GVWR) Gross Axle Weight Rating capacity you mentioned refers to the maximum amount of weight that can be placed on the axle and is not necessarily relevant for a flat-towing situation. Instead, you will want to look at the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This is the maximum operating weight/mass of the vehicle which will be used to determine the correct towbar for your flat-towing setup.
According to the owner's manual for your 2009 Ford F-350, if you have an electronically-shifted transfer case then your vehicle cannot be flat-towed with four wheels down. As long as you have a manually-shifted transfer case then you will need a set of base plates, tow bar, supplemental braking system, wiring harness, safety chains, and possible high-low adapter in order to flat-tow your F-350.
As long as the GVWR of your truck is less than 10,000 lb then I recommend using the Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All Terrain Tow Bar part # RM-422. The extra-long telescoping arms allow for the tow bar to provide extended maneuverability and easier towing. I will attach my recommendations for the other items you will need to flat-tow your F-350 for you below as well.
Base Plate Kit: Roadmaster MX Base Plate Kit part # 4412-3
Wiring Harness: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit part # RM-15267
Braking System: SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System part # SM99251
Safety Cables: Roadmaster 80" Coiled Safety Cables part # RM-653
High-Low Adapter: See Article/Selection
Accessories: Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles part # RM-88400
I have attached several review and installation videos on the above products for you as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster 80" Coiled Safety Cables - Double Hook - 10,000 lbs - Qty 2
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 80 Inch Long
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Light Relay
- Roadmaster
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All-Terrain Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 10000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
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Instructions
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