Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2004 Ford Ranger Edge with Manual Transmission and Blue Ox Tow Bar
Question:
2004 Ford Ranger Edge 5 speed Manual transmission. Need Blue OX Base Plate. The pull down menu calls for a 2004 Ford Ranger Edge WITH TOW HOOK. I purchased this vehicle this year and do not see a tow hook. It is a 5 speed manual trans Edge package, but no hook. Will the BX2157 still work? I already have the Blue OX Aventa II tow bar and just need the base plate for this truck. Please let m know if the BX2157 is what I need.
asked by: Dave
Expert Reply:
According to Blue Ox, you can use base plates on the 2004 Ford Ranger Edge without tow hooks on the vehicle. When I did some research on flat towing the 2004 Ford Ranger Edge, I could only find information on models with an automatic transmission.
If you have transmission M5OD-R-1HD then the Ranger is towable. If you have a 4 wheel drive, the transfer case will need to be placed in 2 wheel drive high and the manual transmission in neutral. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual on the proper procedure for flat towing the vehicle and to see if any additional parts are needed.
In addition to the base plates and the tow bar you will also need safety cables, like # BX88196, a lighting solution, and supplemental braking.
For lighting there are a couple of options. for infrequent towing use a magnetic kit like # RM-2120. For frequent towing you can use the diode kit # RM-154. I have included a link to a video that shows a typical installation for you.
Most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest systems to set up and use are portable systems like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. This system applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the towing vehicle is braking. This method reduces wear and tear on both vehicles and is the safest way to stop.
I have also included a link to all of the flat towing FAQ articles that we have.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox 7' Safety Cables - 7,500 lbs - Qty 2
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 84 Inch Long
- 7500 lbs GTW
- S-Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Pole 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 >
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