Can 2017 Platinum 3.5 EcoBoost 4x4 Ford Explorer be Flat Towed behind Motorhome
Question:
Can this car be flat towed? Getting so many mixed messages. Need help!
asked by: Tom K
Expert Reply:
I did some checking and your 2017 Ford Explorer 4WD with the 3.5 liter Ecoboost engine can be flat towed as-is with some restrictions listed in the owners manual.
It is not recommended to tow this vehicle over 65MPH
Follow prescribed towing procedures outlined in your Owner's Manual.
Start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning of each day and every six hours thereafter. With the engine running and your foot on the brake, shift into D(Drive) and then into R(Reverse)before back into N(Neutral).
On vehicles equipped with auto transmission, remove the black negative cable from the battery before towing. After towing, start the engine within 15 minutes of reconnection. Follow procedures in your owner's manual.
The Roadmaster base plate kit part # RM-524446-5 that you referenced is the correct fit for your vehicle and is very easy to use and install.
In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon All Terain, # RM-522. This has non-binding arms which makes the setup very easy to connect/disconnect.
For lighting/safety cables, locks, and covers for the tow bar we have the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain kit part # RM-9243-1 which comes with all of that as one part number. The diode kit that comes with this allows you to splice into the taillight wiring so that your RV controls the vehicle taillights and does not require drilling into the taillight housings. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.
And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.
Most likely you will also need a high low adapter so that the tow bar will be level when you are flat towing. I attached a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.
I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing your vehicle.
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 >
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 Accessory Kit for Falcon Tow Bars - Tail Light Wiring - Safety Cables - Lock Set
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Accessories Kit
- Falcon 2
- Falcon All Terrain
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Demco Air Force One Compatibility With A 2022 Newmar Dutch Star On A Spartan K2 Chassis
- Q&A: Flat Towing 2018 Ford Explorer Behind Motorhome
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2018 Ford Explorer with Adaptive Cruise Control
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing System for 2017 Ford Explorer FWD with 3.5L
- Article: Must-Have Flat Towing Components
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2014-2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2017 Ford Explorer Behind an RV and Vehicle Procedure
- Q&A: Can I Flat Tow a 2018 Ford Explorer with EcoBoost Engine and Adaptive Cruise Control
- Q&A: Venture Landing Gear Box Replacement for Venture MFG. CO VMC940RB-256942
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2016-2017 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokee
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Article: Tow Bar Wiring: Which Wiring Kit is for You?