What Parts do I Need toTow a 2000 Ford Ranger 4X4 Behind My RV
Question:
What parts do I need?
asked by: Randy
Expert Reply:
If you haven't already the first thing you want to do is make sure your 2000 Ford Ranger can even be flat towed with all 4 wheels down behind a motorhome. From my research the 4-wheel drive model can as long as it's a manual transmission. The automatic may be able to as well but from what I understand it needs other mechanical parts first. Check your owner's manual to verify.
If you can tow your truck you need a tow bar, a base plate kit, some sort of lighting setup, a braking system, and likely a high-low adapter. I recommend the Demco Commander tow bar, part # DM9511012, with the Demco base plate kit, part # DM9518107. These will pair up well together and are high quality and economical when compared to some other setups. The Commander also includes safety cables so that's one less component to not worry about.
If you're gonig to be towing the Ranger a lot I recommend a hard wired lighting solution. The Roadmaster # RM-15267 installs a 6-way connetor at the front of the truck and includes the wiring and diodes need to power its lights. Even the cable between the motorhome and truck is included. The connector has 6 pins which leaves the center pin open to use for charge line kit, part # RM-156-25, to maintain the Ranger's battery. This is optional but definitely can be nice. If you're not planning to tow the truck a lot then you might opt for the less invasive magnetic lights, like part # TL21RK. There's no hard install necessary but you do need to set them up each time you tow.
Most states require a supplemental braking system in the towed vehicle. I recommend the Stay-IN-Play DUO, part # SM99251. Once installed it just requires you to hook up the truck to the motrohome and flip a switch to activate it. And it's just as easy to deactivate so you can drive the Ranger. If you use magnetic lights you won't need any other wiring with this but if you use hardwire lighting then you also need a Brake-Lite Relay, part # RM-88400. This keeps the truck's lights from overriding the motorhome's.
Finally, you may need a high-low adapter to keep the tow bar level. You want it to stay within 3 inches of perfectly level. I've attached a link to our complete selection so you can choose one that you need with the proper rise or drop. I've also attached an article that helps you determine how much rise or drop your setup needs.
I've linked videos on each product for you. There's also a number of articles on flat towing and some of the parts needed that you may find useful.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Battery Charge Line Kit
- 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 >
Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Optronics
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Commander II Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Demco Base Plates
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Demco
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
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on Tow Bar
