Flat Towing a 2018 Ford F-150 STX Behind an RV
Question:
Can you tell me if I can flat tow my 2018 FORD F150 STX model behind an RV?
asked by: LV G
Expert Reply:
Your 2018 Ford F-150 STX can be towed behind an RV if it is a Four-Wheel drive model. You'll want to follow the instructions in your vehicle's owner's manual to the letter, as it uses a function of your electric shifting case to switch into a specific towing compatible mode and then back again to a driving mode.
If you do have a four-wheel drive model, then you'll need a base plate, tow bar, tow bar wiring, and a supplemental braking system.
For the base plate, I recommend Road Master's EZ4 Base Plate Kit, part # RM-524431-4. This kit includes removable arms so when you detach from the RV, you don't have anything extra on the front of the truck.
For a tow bar, I recommend the Roadmaster Sterling All Terrain Tow Bar, part # RM-576. This kit includes the safety cables and mounts to the RV for easy use. It self adjusts and centers the vehicle, for incredibly easy mount and go application.
Then, you'll add wiring to get the vehicle's supplemental braking and lights to work. I recommend the Roadmaster Flexo-Coil kit, part # RM-15267. This kit transfers power from your RV's 7-way port to the tow vehicle to help the supplemental braking system and towing lights operate correctly. Additionally, you'll need the battery charger add-on, part # RM-156-25 which will keep the battery of your F-150 charged while its being towed.
For the supplemental braking kit, I recommend a permanent solution, as generally you tow the same vehicle over and over again, and there's less parts to lose and less variance. I recommend adding the Stay-IN-Play Duo system, part # SM99251 to your vehicle. This kit has an involved installation process, but automatically engages when connected to the RV, reducing the amount of time needed to reset and validate the braking settings on the kit.
This kit requires the Roadmaster Relay Override, part # RM-88400 to avoid confusing the vehicle's brake signal and turn signal impulses, preventing the brakes from operating correctly during turns.
Finally, you'll likely need a High/Low Adapter to get the tow bar into the safe zone of three inches above or below the center of the RV's hitch. This is difficult to predict prior to installing the full kit, so I've included a help article about selecting the correct drop/rise and our full selection of adapters.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Battery Charge Line Kit
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Aluminum
- 8000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- 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 Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2015-2018 Ford F-150
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Article: Must-Have Flat Towing Components
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Should Steering Wheel be Unlocked or Locked While Flat Towing
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2011-2014 Ford F-150
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What Base Plates Work with Roadmaster Tow Bar # RM-501
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- Q&A: How To Make Your Roadmaster Direct-Connect Baseplate Compatible With Blue Ox Tow Bars
Dave
5/2/2020
Does a 2018 Ford F-150 add miles when being flat towed