Parts Needed to Setup a New Motorhome and 2012 Ford Escape 2WD for Flat Towing
Question:
I am a Motorhome newbie. Just bought 2004 Fleetwood Discovery and a Ford 2012 Escape front wheel drive to flat tow. What base plate and tow bar is easiest for a one man hookup/disconnect? Also what other parts are required and/or recommended? Do I need a tranny cooler?
asked by: Mike D
Expert Reply:
According to Ford, the 2012 Ford Escape should not be flat towed, but I did a bit more research on towing the 2012 Ford Escape front wheel drive and found that it is possible if you install a transmission lube pump kit according to Remco Industries, a lube pump provider. You should confirm the towability and pre-tow procedures for your vehicle with your owners manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer for towing instructions. We do not carry transmission lube pumps at this time.
The base plate kit you referenced, # 4414-1, will work great for your Escape and you will need a towbar. The easiest tow bars for one person hookup are the All Terrain styles, with the non-binding Freedom Latch. I would recommend going with the Falcon All Terrain Tow Bar, # RM-522, because it has great features and is easier to hook up than other tow bars.
Next, you will need safety cables. With the Falcon All Terrain Tow Bar, straight safety cables are needed for running through the cable guides. You can use the RoadMaster 64 inch Straight Safety Cables, # RM-645.
You will also need a wiring system to activate the taillights on your Escape when towing. We recommend installation of the Tail Light Wiring Kit with Bulbs, # RM-155, which keeps the motorhome electrical system separate from the vehicle electrical system.
Finally, you will need a braking system for the Edge. Most states require a supplemental braking system when flat towing vehicles. I would recommend the Roadmaster InvisiBrake, # RM-8700. I have attached a demonstration video for you to check out.
I also attached a link to our series of flat towing help articles that you may find interesting and helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit with Bulbs
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Bulb and Socket 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 InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Pre-Set System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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