Tow Bar And Base Plate Recommendation For A 2021 Ford Ranger

Question:

I have towed my jeep in the past with a tow bar. I am Buying a 2021 Ford Ranger and would like a basic Roadmaster tow bar and base plate for this ford to motorhome application. This towbar will only be used on short 200 to 300 mile trips and I do not need a top of the line setup for my truck. What part numbers and baseplates do you recommend?

asked by: William J

Expert Reply:

For your 2021 Ford Ranger I recommend the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - Motorhome Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000lbs Item # RM-520 for your tow bar and the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms Item # RM-524459-5 for your baseplates.

For flat towing you'll also need a brake controller, tow bar wiring, and safety cables. I recommend the following:

Tow Bar Wiring: Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit Item # RM-154

Brake Controller: Brake Buddy Stealth Supplemental Braking System - Proportional Item # HM39530
This will connect directly to your battery and charge it as you tow so your battery won't die.

Some installation notes to take into account are:
The # RM-88400 relay may be required to prevent the towed vehicle's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn. It is not required when using magnetic tow lights.

To determine if a brake light relay is needed to properly wire your vehicle to be towed, answer the following questions.

Are you using a supplemental braking system that depresses the brake pedal in your towed car?

No - You do not need a brake light relay.
Yes - You may need a brake light relay. Continue on to the next question.

Do the brake lights on your towed car illuminate while the engine is off?

No - You do not need a brake light relay.
Yes - You may need a brake light relay. Continue on to the next question.

Do your towed car's brake lights act as both the brake signals and the turn signals?

No - You may need a brake light relay. Continue on to the next question.
Yes - Your towed car has a combined lighting system. You will need a brake light relay to ensure proper activation of its signal lights.

Does your towed car have separate brake lights and turn signals?

No - Your towed car has a combined lighting system. You will need a brake light relay.
Yes - Your towed car has a separate lighting system. You may need a brake light relay. Continue on to the next question.

Are you wiring your vehicle with a six-diode kit or a TowDaddy custom wiring harness?

No - You will need a brake light relay to ensure proper activation of your towed car's signal lights.
Yes - You do not need a brake light relay.

Safety Cables: RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs Item # RM-643