Recommended Flat Towing Set Up for a 2017 Ford F-150

Question:

how do I flat tow a 2017 F-150 4x4 with a keyed ignition on the column

asked by: Mike

Helpful Expert Reply:

I went online and found the steps you need to follow to flat tow your F-150. I have listed them below along with all the parts you will need. I have also added the links to the instructions and any videos we may have of the parts being installed.

Tow Bar and Safety Chains - Roadmaster Sterling Tow Bar item # RM-576 and item # RM-674

Base Plate Kit - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms item # RM-524431-5

Wiring Harness - Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit item # RM-15267

Charge Line - Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles item # RM-156-25

Supplemental Braking System - Demco Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System w/ Wireless Coachlink Monitor item # DM86VR

High Low Adapter - The tow bar needs to be within 3" of level. If you measure the height of the inside top of the hitch receiver tube on your RV, and the height difference is more than 3 inches above/below the base plate tab height, you'll need a high/low adapter. I have linked a FAQ article that explains all this in more detail along with our selection of adapters.

1) Put the ignition in the on position, but do not start the engine. If your vehicle has an ignition key, turn the
key to on. If your vehicle has intelligent access, press the engine START/STOP button once without
pressing the brake pedal.

2) Press and hold the brake pedal.

3) Rotate the four-wheel drive switch to 2H.

4) Shift the transmission to neutral (N).

5) Rotate the four-wheel drive switch from 2H to 4L and back to 2H five times within seven seconds.

Note: If completed successfully, the information display confirms that your vehicle is in neutral tow. This
indicates that your vehicle is safe to tow with all wheels on the ground.

Note: If you do not see the message in the display, you must perform the procedure again from the
beginning.

Note: You may hear an audible noise as the transfer case shifts into its neutral position. This is normal.

6) Leave the transmission in neutral (N) and turn the ignition as far as it can go toward the off position.
It does not turn fully off when the transmission is in neutral (N). If your vehicle has an ignition key,
you must leave the key in the ignition while towing. To lock and unlock your vehicle, use the keyless
entry keypad or an extra set of keys. If your vehicle has intelligent access, press the engine
START/STOP button once without pressing the brake pedal. You do not need to leave your keys in the
vehicle. You can lock and unlock your vehicle as you normally do.

7) Release the brake pedal.

Following this procedure for the applicable ignition type you have will unlock your steering column for flat towing.