Parts Recommendation for a 2014 Ford Edge for Flat Towing

Question:

Trying to decide between base plates. The Roadmaster looks like you remove the bumper and dont reinstall it. Is that true? Doesnt that affect the safety of the vehicle? I can not tell if the other is the same way. I have the non-adaptive model. I like the Roadmaster because there is no 1 1/4 inch hole drilling. and the attach point is lower.

asked by: Bill Z

Expert Reply:

All of the base plate kits for your 2014 Ford Edge you will need to remove the bumper cores for installation. The base plate kits will act as the bumper cores in the event of an accident. Since these products are designed to pull the weight of your vehicle one could easily argue they are stronger than the bumper core.

Sounds like the Roadmaster base plate kit would be your best option. Which would mean you would want the part # 4408-1 since you do not have adaptive cruise control.

In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon 2, # RM-520. For safety cables you can use # RM-643. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.

For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed vehicle. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.

Instead of having to pull a fuse every time you tow your vehicle you may also be interested in the fuse bypass switch part # RM76511.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Even Brake proportional system, # RM-9400, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the two vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing your vehicle.