Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2018 Ford Expedition
Question:
We had a Blue Ox tow bar base plate on our recently totaled Jeep GC.. We still have the removable pins for BO Thinking of replacing the Jeep with a 2018 Ford Expedition. You dont show any BO base plate for this vehicle, but do for the Ford F150. My understanding is the Expedition is built on the F150 chassis. Will BO base for the F150 fit? Also can we buy the base with out the pins we still have? The accident totaled the rear of the Jeep when it was NOT being towed. Thanks
asked by: Dave C
Expert Reply:
I'm sorry to hear about your Jeep. I hope everyone is okay.
I checked with Blue Ox and they do not currently have a base plate kit available that is confirmed to fit the 2018 Ford Expedition. It does look like a new generation began for the 2018 model, so Blue Ox base plates from previous model years will not fit the vehicle's new design.
The Roadmaster base plate kits that are confirmed to fit the 2018 Ford Expedition do differ from those that fit the 2018 Ford F-150, so there must be enough of a difference between the two vehicles to require a different fit.
For your Expedition, I recommend going with the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit # RM-524457-5. This custom-fit base plate kit features brackets that are virtually invisible and easy to mount or remove. They are compatible with any Roadmaster motor-home-mounted tow bar, such as the excellent Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 # RM-422. You can then add the Roadmaster Safety Cables # RM-653 for the required extra security.
In order to flat tow your Expedition, you will also need a lighting solution and a supplemental braking system.
For a lighting solution, I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This kit will allow you to wire your Expedition to accept your RV's tail, brake, and turn signal lights for towing. It includes a 6-Way that will mount to the front of the vehicle and enough coiled wiring to go from there to the 7-Way on the RV.
For a supplemental braking system, I really like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. This is an excellent, proportional braking system that will physically apply the brakes in your Expedition at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in the RV. You will just need to add the # RM-88400 relay to prevent the Expedition's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn.
Lastly, you will likely need a high-low adapter in order to keep your tow bar level. I have attached an article that explains exactly how to choose the best one for your setup, along with a link that will take you to our available selection. I have also included video demonstrations on the products mentioned and an article on flat towing that you might find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
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 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 >
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
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