Recommended Base Plate for 2003 Ford Excursion
Question:
The base plate that is recommended shows its only rated for 5K. Gross vehichle weight is 9K, what other base plate would you recommend?
asked by: Mathew D
Expert Reply:
The 2003 Ford Excursion has a curb weight between 6,650 and 7,688 lbs based on my research so the tow bar you use has to be rated for above your actual vehicle weight and the use of adapters has to also be rated for the correct capacity.
I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms # BX2163 which are not restricted to 5K, but rather are rated for the GVWR of your vehicle according to my tech contact at Blue Ox. Then I recommend the Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar - Motorhome Mount - 10,000 lbs # BX7420 which comes with the safety cables needed. You may want to consider the locks # BX88101 for additional security.
For your tow bar wiring, I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 and the battery charge line # RM-156-25. You will also need the Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-88400 to prevent the towed vehicle's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn.
Then for your supplemental braking system I recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System - Proportional # SM99251. This system will install out of the way in your vehicle and you will set the adjustment at that time. Following that initial adjustment you don't need to worry about readjusting, so you can simply flip the switch when you are ready to tow and the rest is plug and play.
Finally, you may need a high-low adapter so I've linked an article to help with measurements and linked the page to your options. You simply want to make sure the Gross Towing Capacity of the adapter is compatible with the weight of your Excursion.
Make sure to follow any specific instructions for Flat Towing in your owner's manual.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 10000 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Base Plate and Tow Bar Receiver Lock Kit - Keyed Alike - Qty 3
- Accessories and Parts
- Base Plates
- Tow Bar
- Locks
- Keyed Alike
- Blue Ox
more information >
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 >
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