Recommended Flat Towing Equipment For A 2020 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid

Question:

Hello, we have a 2020 Ford Escape Plug in Hybrid that we are looking to flat tow behind our Renegade Villagio RV. I thought I had the equipment needed figured out but then got confused as the baseplates I was looking at say they dont fit the plug in hybrid. Can you recommend a setup please? For the tow bar Im looking for lighter and to not add too much length. For braking, Id love to have plug and go but only if it is not significantly more expensive. Thanks for considering.

asked by: Joe D

Expert Reply:

To flat tow your 2020 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid you'll need a tow bar, base plate, tow bar wiring kit, braking system, and safety cables. For this I have the following recommendations:

Tow Bar: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates # e74ZR. This tow bar features non-binding latches and telescoping, self supporting arms that make connecting and disconnecting your Escape on any terrain a breeze. It has an adjustable head that tilts up or down 3" and the shank has a built-in 1-1/2" rise or drop to keep tow bar parallel with road while towing without the use of a high/low hitch adapter. It also comes with safety cables included so you won't need to purchase any separately.

Base Plate: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM39FR. These direct connect attachment points make it quick and easy to connect to your tow bar.

Tow Bar Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 4-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15247. This diode kit allows you to use your Ford Escape's tail lights and wiring system while preventing feedback from your RV.

Since your Escape has separate lighting this kit will cause your brake lights to function as both brake and turn signal lights. A wiring converter # 118158 and 2 additional diodes # RM-792 will be needed if you want to retain separate turn and brake signals.

Note: The Brake light relay # RM-88400 may also be required to prevent the car's brake signal from overriding the turn signal sent by your RV.

Braking System: Last but not least you'll need a braking system, for this I recommend the Demco Air Force One Supplemental Braking System w/ Wireless Coachlink # DM26VR if your motorhome has air brakes or the Demco Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System w/ Wireless Coachlink Monitor # DM86VR if your motorhome has hydraulic brakes.

Both of these systems are a one time install and require not setup once installed. Both systems apply pressure to your Escape's brakes in proportion to how you press on your motorhome's brake pedal.

Safety Cables: Since the # e74ZR has safety cables you won't need to order any separately.

I've attached some videos below that will offer some additional information on these systems and run through the installation if you're planning on installing these items yourself.