Recommendations for Hitch and Towing Setup on 2018 Ford Flex

Question:

Pulling 2019 coachmen clipper 17rd with 2018 ford flex limited 3.5l v6 fwd. What would you recommend for hitch, weight distribution and wiring package? I appreciate your help.

asked by: Terri S

Helpful Expert Reply:

Hello, yes will be glad to provide you with options for a complete solution to using your 2018 Ford Flex for towing a 2019 Coachmen Clipper 17RD.

For a trailer hitch, I definitely would go with the Class III etrailer trailer Hitch Receiver, # e52AR if you have dual exhaust and the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" # e95KR without dual exhaust. These are rated for use with a Weight Distribution System (WDS) which I advise using. These hitches have a maximum gross trailer weight (GTW) of 4,000 lbs. and a max tongue weight (TW) of 400 lbs. From specs available to me online, the 2019 Coachmen RV Clipper Ultra-Lite 17RD has a dry weight of 2,847 lbs. with about 800 lbs. of cargo capacity. So your tongue weight and loaded weight will be pushing the max ratings. I have attached a product review and installation video below.

For wiring, you have two primary options when it comes to installing a 7-way RV type plug for towing your travel trailer. First option is to use the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat, # ETBC7 and then using a traditional brake controller such as my favorite in this category, the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller, # 90195. The second option is use the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation, # ETBC7L and the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller, # C51180. Please follow the hyperlinks to product pages for each of these options and view the product review and installation videos linked below. If you are installing these items yourself viewing the installation videos may help you to decide which option you prefer. The only plug-n-play option for wiring on the 2018 Ford Flex is the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness, # 118472 but this is only a 4-flat plug and will not provide you the needed RV style plug with power for the brake axle on the travel trailer.

I recommend using a Weight Distribution System (WDS) with Sway Control, my recommendation is the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control, # EQ37060ET. This has a tongue weight rating of 200 lbs. - 600 lbs. and gross towing weight rating of up to 6,000 lbs. It has a 2" ball which is probably the size coupler on your travel trailer but verify this prior to placing order. This requires a 1-7/8" thin walled socket to install. If you do not already have one, we sell those too, select, # ALL643216. This is a 1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket - 3/4" Drive.

One last item I will recommend is a tongue weight scale like the etrailer # e99044. This would make determining your tongue weight quick and easy.

I have linked several product review and installation videos below pertaining to the items discussed above. In addition, ,I have also linked to several help articles that hope you find of value and support you in making the best informed decisions for what products to purchase for using your 2018 Ford Flex for towing a 2019 Coachmen Clipper 17RD. Happy Camping!