Parts Needed to Flat tow a 2017 Ford C-Max and Use Roadmaster Accessories  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Yes, the Roadmaster base plate kit part # 524432-1 for the 2017 Ford C-Max is compatible with quick disconnects on Roadmaster towbars. The Roadmaster Guardian part # RM-4000 and Roadmaster Tow Defender part # RM-4700 fit all Roadmaster tow bars with quick disconnects and are both compatible with the base plate kit as well. I have attached a video of the installation of the Roadmaster base plate Ford C-Max.

If you do not have a tow bar, I recommend The Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain tow bar # RM-522 because it is easier to connect and disconnect from the baseplate compared to other tow bars. The quick disconnect allows you to connect the crossbar (with the tow bar attached) to the brackets on the vehicle as one piece. The Falcon All Terrain tow bar features a latch that, once flipped up, releases the tension in the bars even on unlevel ground. Most tow bars will bind and not allow you to disconnect from the base plate if the vehicle and motorhome are not perfectly level.

For lighting, I recommend Roadmaster Diode wiring Kit part # RM-15267. The Roadmaster Diode kit splices into the tail light wiring of the Ford. The wiring allows for the tail, brake and turn signals to illuminate on the towed vehicle when the motorhome's lights illuminate. It also comes with a 6-way plug for the vehicle side and a coiled adapter that connects the 6-way plug to the motorhome's 7-way plug on the rear of the motorhome. If you do not want to splice into the taillight wiring of the Ford, you can use magnetic lights part # TL21RK that attach to the roof of the towed vehicle and include a 4-way that plugs into the motorhomes connector.

All states now require the towed vehicle to have a supplemental braking system setup. The supplemental braking system ensures the towed vehicle stops when the motorhome stops. The best option for a supplemental braking system in the Ford C-Max is SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO part # SM99251 because it is one the most convenient but also permanent options on the market once it's installed. Other portable supplemental braking systems such as the Blue Ox Patriot part # BRK2016 have to be removed every time you drive the towed vehicle. The SMI operating unit stays hidden under the hood and the actuating cylinder that actually depresses the brake pedal stays attached to the brake pedal while driving. It is also a proportional system so it brakes the towed vehicle brakes when the motorhome brakes compared to other systems that have a delay. This cuts down on the jerking some may experience while towing a vehicle and helps create a smoother, safer ride.

You may also need a high-low adapter to make up for the height difference between the motorhome and the towed vehicle. It is important to tow the Ford as level as possible to avoid damage to the vehicle or motorhome. The hitch on the Tiffin Motorhome probably sits up higher than the front end of the Ford C-Max so you most likely need to use the high low adapter in the drop position. To figure out how much drop you need measure from the ground to the top of the receiver opening on the motorhome. Then measure from the ground to the center of the base plate on the Ford. The difference is how much drop you need to tow level. I have attached a link for the high low adapters we carry.

expert reply by: Heather A

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