Recommended Parts to Flat Dinghy/Recreational Tow a 2009 - 2011 Ford F-150
Question:
Wanting a 2009, 2010, or 2011 F150. I know I need base plates tow bar and wiring but what else am I missing.
asked by: Andy
Expert Reply:
A complete flat towing setup consists of a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. Since you haven't made up your mind on what specific vehicle you want, I will make some recommendations for you.
Pretty much all of the parts are interchangeable for a 2009 - 2011 Ford F-150, but the base plates are a little more specific. If you end up going with a 2009 or a standard 2011 F-150 then use base plate kit # 495-3A. If you go with a 2010 or a 2011 with the EcoBoost then use the kit # RM-524431-5 instead.
Then for a tow bar I highly recommend the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain # RM-676. This comes with safety cables and LED lights on the side to let passer bys know that you are flat towing your pickup. This tow bar also comes with half of a wiring kit.
To complete the wiring kit simply install the Hopkins # HM56000 and run the 4-Way up to the 6-Way socket that came with the bar. Once you have the 4-Way up to the front of your pickup you will need to cut off the connector and install it according to the attached diagram. One of the great things about this kit is that you can also add the Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25 to help keep your battery from draining.
For a supplemental braking system I recommend going with the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. Once installed you will hardly notice that the system is in your F-150 and it is activated by connecting the breakaway switch and turning the unit on. For this to work properly with your pickup you will also need a brake-light relay kit # RM-88400.
Most flat towing setups require a high-low adapter for the tow bar to remain level while towing. I have linked our selection of adapters for you to check out as well as an article that will help you determine which is the best one for your application.
You may also be interested in using a tow bar cover like part # RM-055-3 to keep the Nighthawk All Terrain in good shape during storage.
I have attached some helpful links for you to check out but you will also want to check your owner's manual for any specific instructions for flat towing.
Products Referenced in This Question
Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Plugs into Vehicle Wiring
- Wiring Harness
- Custom
- Tail Light Mount
- Hopkins
more information >
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Covers and Storage
- Tow Bar Cover
- Sterling
- Eagle
- Falcon
- Blackhawk
- 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 Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 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 Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
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