What is Needed to Flat Tow a 2016 Ford Explorer Sport
Question:
Flat towing a 2016 Ford Explorer sport, My Ford dealer says this vehicle cannot be flat towed
asked by: Larry P
Expert Reply:
For recreational towing there is limited trim levels/configurations of the 2016 Ford Explorer that can be flat towed. According to Ford from their online owners manual neither front-wheel-drive or four-wheel drive models of the 2016 Explorer can be flat towed. The front-wheel-drive models can be dolly towed. For this I suggest the Demco Kar Kaddy X Tow Dolly w/ Disc Brakes and Tilt Bed Frame, # DM9713093.
You can flat tow versions of the 3.5L EcoBoost or 3.5L Duratec equipped vehicle but there are certain steps that must be taken depending on type of ignition. Please see your vehicle specific owners manual for these steps.
If per your vehicle specific owners manual, you have a model that can be flat-towed, I suggest the following items:
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - # BX2668
Blue Ox Alpha ow Bar - # BX7380 (with safety cables)
Roadmaster Wiring Kit - # RM-15267
Brake Kit - # SM99251 (motorhome hydraulic brakes) or # SM99243 (motorhome air brakes)
Automatic Battery Disconnect # RM-766
When flat towing, you want the tow bar to set within 3" of level. To do this may require a high/low adapter. I have linked a help article below to walk you through how to identify what size you need for your flat tow set-up. Along with a link to the available selections. In addition, there are links to product review and installation videos for the items listed above.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6500 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Blue Ox
more information >
Demco Kar Kaddy X Tow Dolly w/ Disc Brakes - Tilt Bed Frame - 4,800 lbs - Wide Tread
- Trailers
- Tow Dolly
- Wheel Decks
- 4800 lbs
- TIlt Bed Frame
- Cars/Trucks/SUVs
- 8-1/2W x 12-1/4L Foot
- Galvanized Steel
- Demco
more information >
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 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 >
Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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