Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2015 Lincoln MKX Behind a Motorhome

Question:

Is a 2015 MKX the same as a 2017 MKX on setup? Is the Blue Ox Hitch/tow bar as good as the Roadmasters? I purchased the Blue Ox a few months ago and have yet used it because of no toad.

asked by: Buck K

Helpful Expert Reply:

You can flat tow your 2015 Lincoln MKX with all 4 wheels on the ground. This information is located in the recreational towing section of the vehicle owner's manual, page 221.

There are 5 major components needed to flat tow a vehicle: base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking.

For base plates you can use # 4408-1 if your MKX does NOT have adaptive cruise control. Or you can use # 4408-5 if it does have adaptive cruise control.

For a compatible tow bar I recommend the Falcon All-Terrain # RM-522. This is a non-binding tow bar so you will be able to hook up or disconnect without having to be on level ground. This means you won't have to spend time fighting with a bound up tow bar and can instead enjoy your trip.

For safety cables you can use straight cables # RM-645. These straight cables will work well with the safety cable channels in the Falcon All-Terrain tow bar.

I recommend diode kit # RM-15267 for lighting. After installation you will not have to worry about it again unlike magnetic light kits that you would have to set up every time. I have linked a video showing how diodes install on a 2017 MKX.

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.

expert reply by: Michael H

Buck

7/16/2018

Is a 2015 MKX the same as a 2017 MKX on setup? Is the Blue Ox Hitch/tow bar as good as the Roadmasters? I purchased the Blue Ox a few months ago and have yet used it because of no toad.

Michael H.

7/16/2018

Yes, for the most part the setup is the same on a 2017 Lincoln MKX though there are some different parts needed. If you already have a Blue Ox tow bar and you want to go with a 2017 model MKX then for the base plates you will need # BX2673. The lighting and braking recommendations I made for the 2015 will also apply to the 2017. So basically the only thing different between my 2015 recommendations and the 2017 recommendations in this case is the required base plates and the tow bar you will be using. The Blue Ox components will do a fine job when you are ready to flat tow.