Recommended Base Plate, Tow Bar and Accessories for Flat Towing 2010 Ford Escape XLT AWD

Question:

Looking to purchase base plate and tow bar for towing our 2010 Ford Escape XLT AWD behind our motor home. We would like to have the tow bar removable when not in use, or we live in an area which gets significant snow fall. Would prefer the tow bar on the motor home vs car, The motor home has a hitch on it, which has a receiver. We have in the past towed an enclosed trailer with our HD Ultra Classic in it, but since were retired now on a fixed income, we need the Escape in tow vs the bike should we have inclement weather. We dont have the funds to be renting cars if needed, Your help in this matter would be greatly appreciated, Thank You!

asked by: Jack &

Helpful Expert Reply:

According to my research, the vehicle will require the installation of a transmission lube pump before it can be flat towed without damaging the transmission. I'd encourage you to confirm this for yourself.

Once the vehicle has been declared safe to be flat towed, you can install the base plates, part # 4414-1. Then, you'll need a tow bar. The Roadmaster Falcon 2, part # RM-520 would be an excellent choice. The tow bar would stow on the RV when the hitch is not being used. If you don't yet have safety cables, we recommend the Roadmster # RM-643.

To wire your vehicle so its taillights, turn signals and brake lamps work together, I recommend a plug and play wiring harness like part # HM56000. The installation will be straightforward, and you won't need to cut or splice into any vehicle wiring. Lastly, a fuse bypass # RM76511 and a supplemental braking system will be needed. The Stay-IN-Play DUO part # SM99251 is a favorite around here. The insallation is longer than portable systems but once it's in you only need to flip a switch to be ready to tow.

The # RM-581 Stowmaster you saw wouldn't be a great choice. The tow bar uses a lunette ring to attach to a pintle that would need to be installed in the receiver on the RV. This is an extremely strong connection, but NOT a tight one that would allow much rattling and movement.