Recommended Flat Towing Equipment For A 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum
Question:
I’m looking to four down tow my 2017 Ford Explorer platinum all wheel drive. Manual says this model can be four down towed. What do I need besides base plate, tow bar, and invisibrake? Any wiring kits or battery quick disconnect?
asked by: Bill
Expert Reply:
I highly recommend double checking your owner's manual to ensure your specific model meets all the requirements for flat towing as approved by Ford so you don't risk voiding any warranties or damage to the components of your vehicle. If it is, you will need a tow bar, base plate, braking system, tow bar wiring kit, and safety cables. I have the following recommendations for you below:
Tow Bar: Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-522. This tow bar features non-binding latches and a large hookup radius to make connecting/disconnecting on any terrain easy peasy.
Base Plate: There are a few different options based on the options on your Explorer, but I do recommend Roadmaster's direct-connect styled base plates.
# RM-524446-5 will fit all models, except ones with Active Air Shutters.
# RM-524445-5 will fit all models, except ones with Adaptive Cruise Control.
# RM-524453-5 will fit all models, except ones with EcoBoost Engines.
Tow Bar Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This diode kit includes everything you'll need to allow you to use your Ford Explorer's tail lights and wiring system while preventing feedback from your RV.
You'll need to remove the negative cable from your Explorer's battery, per the owner's manual, to be able to flat tow. To make this as easy as flipping a switch you can install the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Supplemental Braking System # RM-766.
Braking System: The Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supplemental Braking System # RM-8700 is a great choice if your motorhome has hydraulic brakes. This system offers automatic, real-time braking with an actuator box that installs permanently so that you never have to remove, adjust or reactivate. The system connects to RV and engages the car's brakes when the RV brake lights illuminate.
The OEM brake light switch on your Explorer is unusable to tap into for this system so you'll need the Roadmaster Universal Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751000 to alert you when the brakes are being applied in your Explorer.
Safety Cables: RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000lbs # RM-643. The coiled design of these cables will help prevent them from dragging on the ground and being damaged.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
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 Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Universal Stop Light Switch Kit
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Stop Light Switch
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Auto Battery Disconnect
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Pre-Set System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- 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
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Q&A: Can I Flat Tow a 2018 Ford Explorer with EcoBoost Engine and Adaptive Cruise Control
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Compartment Door Trigger Latch - 3" - Black - End Mount
- Q&A: Flat Towing 2018 Ford Explorer Behind Motorhome
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing System for 2017 Ford Explorer FWD with 3.5L
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum
- Search Results: rm~766
- Search Results: cargo door latch
- Search Results: cargo latch
- Search Results: door latch
- Shop: 12V RV Ceiling Fan w/ Wall Switch - 4 Speed - 42" Diameter - Brushed Nickel - White
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Roadmaster Tow Bar Wiring - Splices into Vehicle Wiring - RM-15267 Review
- Shop: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Replacement Clearance Lights Needed for GLO-BRITE 122R and 122Y Lights
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: 68149
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System Installation - 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimit
- Search Results: dust cap
on Base Plates
