Preparing a 2008 Ford Edge for Flat Towing Behind a Motorhome
Question:
When towing a 08 Ford Edge do you need to put the transmission in neutral how do you do this I do not see the video
asked by: Eric C
Expert Reply:
According to the owner's manual for the 2008 Ford Edge:
Note: If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow these instructions:
-Tow only in the forward direction
-Release the parking brake
-Place the transmission shift lever in Neutral (N)
-Turn the key in the ignition to the ACC position (refer to Starting in the Driving chapter). The ACC position also unlocks the steering wheel.
-Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h)
-Start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning of each day and at each fuel stop.
If you do not already have all the parts needed to tow your 2008 Ford Edge I can help you with that as well. To flat tow a vehicle you will need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking.
For base plates you can use # 4408-1. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you. For a tow bar I strongly recommend a non-binding tow bar such as the Falcon All-Terrain # RM-522 with safety cables # RM-645. With a non-binding tow bar you can hook up/disconnect without having to be perfectly straight or level. This lets you spend more time enjoying your vacation instead of fighting with a bound up tow bar.
For lighting a popular option is a diode kit such as # RM-152-98146-7. Once installed you won't have to worry about it again.
You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.
And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.
The # RM-88400 relay is required to prevent the towed vehicle's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn. The RM-88400 relay is not required when using magnetic tow lights.
Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Wire to 6-Wire Straight Cord
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster 64" Single Hook, Straight Safety Cables - 8,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Straight Cables
- 64 Inch Long
- 8000 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 Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
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