Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2019 Ford Expedition

Question:

I am leasing a 2019 Ford Expedition Max Platinum and would like to put on a blue ox flat tow system however I have no clue who is certified to do something like that. Additionally, im curious if I decide to turn in this lease, can I take the blue ox system off the truck and still be in compliance with my lease agreement? meaning...are there noticeable modifications that need to be made to the truck? Can I reuse or sell the blue ox system once its taken off the vehicle? I have more questions but would prefer to speak to someone live. we have a trip planned in 3 weeks and would need a solution quickly and hate to rent a car when i own 2! Thank you!

asked by: Bret

Expert Reply:

I have been reviewing the base plate kits made for 2019 Ford Expeditions. Each of them require trimming out the fascia where the tow hooks would have went, or to remove those tow hooks. I would not be surprised if a little extra trimming in that area was necessary. You will also need to mount the 6-pin connector up in the grill area. While a little trim here, scuffs from safety cables there, and a couple screw holes would probably go unnoticed by most, an experienced appraiser will probably know exactly why those things look that way.

So it is really up to you to take a chance or not.

Regarding installation - most of our customers install these items themselves. If you are not a DIY'er you could contact a few small mechanics who could accomplish this. I would bring the printed instructions to them so they can see it is not difficult.

Yes, you can remove them and reuse them or sell them afterwards. I would replace all the bolts with like sized and graded hardware as the torquing process will stretch the bolts. Installation requires thread lock that may make it difficult to get the bolts off later.

If you decide to go forward with this installation you can use the Blue Ox # BO84FR Base Plate Kit. I have linked this item below and also placed a link for the installation guide. Review this first.

Next you will need a tow bar. I would recommend the Roadmaster # RM-520 along with the # RM-031 adapter for Blue Ox plates. This tow bar is rated for 6000 pounds and your Expedition weighs 5700 so don't load tons of stuff into your towed vehicle. If you feel like you would like a little extra room for error and you might have a heavier vehicle next time you may want to consider the Roadmaster # RM-576 with 8000 pounds of tow capacity.

When your coach and towed vehicle are hitched together on level ground, the tow bar should be within 3” of level, otherwise you will need to add a High-Low Adapter like the Blue Ox # BLU34TR.

You will also need safety cables to keep the towed vehicle connected to your coach in case of a tow bar failure. I would recommend the Roadmaster # RM-645 which are 64” long and rated for 8000 pounds. I like that the connectors are made so they can not bounce off the cable hooks. I also prefer the straight cables compared to coiled – it just looks cleaner when they are all tucked away.

Next you will need a tow bar wiring kit. I recommend the Roadmaster RM-152-98146-7 Universal wiring kit which includes everything you need to connect your RV's tail, brake, and turn signal lights to your towed car. Diodes prevent feedback and wire your car to operate as a combined system. Includes a 7-way to 6-way straight adapter cord. When you do finally get ready to plug your electrical cables in I would put a little Edelmann # 11755 dielectric grease on those connections. The dielectric grease will keep help keep moisture and corrosion out of your connections.

The design of your Expedition causes the battery to be used and eventually drained when being towed. You can stop this with the Roadmaster # RM-156-25 Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles. Installs easily using the 12-volt accessory line in your tow bar connector. I have attached a video of the installation.

Your Expedition weighs in about 5700 pounds so you will need a supplemental braking system installed in it. This will improve braking and handling, and extend the life of your coaches braking system. Additionally, most states require supplemental braking if your towed vehicle is over 3000 pounds. If your coach has traditional hydraulic brakes then I recommend the Brake Buddy # HM39524 portable system that has proportional braking and has a wireless display for your cab so you can see your braking system status or change profiles from your driver's seat.

If your coach has air brakes, then instead of the Brake Buddy system, you will need the Demco # DM26VR supplemental braking system for air brakes.

I have attached an article below about supplemental braking systems.

Finally, you should double check your vehicles owner's manual to determine if your specific model vehicle can be flat towed and any special requirements in regard to fuses, equipment, and any additional service that may be required.