Wiring, Base Plates, Tow Bar and Accessories Needed to Flat Tow a 1997 Ford Ranger
Question:
Do you have a wireing haness for 97 Ford Range REG. Cab sort bed.? Price and difficulty for install. I want to tow my Range behind my Motorhome it has a 4 wire plug Thanks
asked by: Paul
Expert Reply:
To flat tow your 1997 Ford Ranger behind a motor home, you will need a special wiring set up. A regular wiring harness will not work. There are a couple of options for you. First, if you will not be towing the truck very often, I recommend using a magnetic light kit like # RM-2120.
If you will be towing the truck frequently, I recommend a diode kit, # RM-154. I have included a link to a video that shows a typical installation of this kit for you.
Installation of a magnetic kit is simple as it is a plug and go type of installation. Diodes are a little more involved as you can see in the video. If you have some experience with automotive and/or electrical projects, installation should not be very difficult for you. Current pricing for all products is available on the product pages.
You will also need base plates for the truck. The base plates provide a safe and secure attachment point for a tow bar to tow the vehicle. For your truck you can use XL base plates, # 435-3. The most popular tow bar for XL base plates is the Roadmaster Falcon 2, # RM-520. I have included a link to the instructions and a link to a video on this tow bar for you.
For safety cables, you can use the coiled cables, # RM-643. The coiled design of these cables keeps them off of the ground.
Most states now require a supplemental braking system on the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Even Brake # RM-9400. This is a proportional system that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the towing vehicle is braking. Proportional systems are the safest way to stop and they reduce wear and tear on both vehicles.
I have included a link to our series of FAQ articles on flat towing for you. You will want to consult the vehicle owners manual to determine if you can flat tow this vehicle and on the proper procedure for flat towing.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - 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
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Hopkins
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Video: Review of Blue Ox Base Plates - Bolt On Base Plate - BX88230
- Shop: Roadmaster Base Plate Adapter for Tow Ready Tow Bar - Replacement Crossbar for Tracker Tow Bar
- Q&A: Will Roadmaster Base Plate to Tow Ready Towbar Adapter Fit 711-4 XL Base Plates
- Q&A: Roadmaster Tow Plates for 1996 Ford Ranger
- Shop: Curt Adjustable Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs
- Shop: Replacement Roadmaster Tow Bar Quick Disconnect Brackets - Car Side Only
- Shop: Blue Ox Universal Bolt-On Base Plate Brackets - 5,000 lbs
- Shop: Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs
- Shop: Universal Bumper Brackets for Curt Adjustable Tow Bar
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 44649
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 68149
- Q&A: 10k Dexter Replacement Hub for a 8-415
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Search Results: 25580
- Video: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System Installation - 2022 Ford F-150
- Q&A: Replacement 5 Leaf Slipper Spring for a Tandem Axle Dump Trailer with Two 6K Axles
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect Installation - 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: dust cap
- Q&A: Adding Brakes to a Mobile Home Axle
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
