Can I Flat Tow a 2018 Ford Explorer with EcoBoost Engine and Adaptive Cruise Control

Products Featured in This Question

Question:

Bought our first motorhome, primary travel is east coast what equipment is needed to flat tow

asked by: John K

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, but the Ford Edge, Explorer and Taurus vehicles equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 or 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine CANNOT be towed four wheels down. The 3.5L EcoBoost Engines do allow for flat towing. For the FWD versions of the 2018 Ford Explorer with EcoBoost engine you will need to use a tow dolly like the Demco Kar Kaddy X Tow Dolly # DM9713093. This tow dolly comes with disc brakes and a steerable axle that allows the trailer to track well behind the motorhome and will make maneuvering easier. The Kar Kaddy also comes with a full LED lighting setup and a 4 way trailer connector so you won't need to worry about an external lighting solution. If you have the 4WD version of the 2018 Ford Explorer with the 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost engine it will need to be towed with 4 wheels off the ground.

If you have the 3.5L EcoBoost engine (regardless of drive train), your vehicle can be flat towed with some restrictions, so you will need to consult with your owners manual and follow the protocols set forth. In order to flat tow, you will need a tow bar, compatible base plates, safety cables, tow bar wiring, supplemental braking and a high/low adapter. I've put together a list below of the parts I recommend using to flat tow your 2018 Ford Explorer.

Tow Bar: Roadmaster Falcon 2 # RM-520
Base Plates: Roadmaster Direct Connect Base Plates # RM-524446-5
Safety Cables: Roadmaster 68" Coiled Safety Cables # RM-643
Tow Bar Wiring: Roadmaster # RM-15267 and Roadmaster Battery Quick Disconnect # RM-766
Supplemental Braking: Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Supplemental Braking System # RM-9400 if your Explorer has the adjustable pedals you also need # RM-9332 and # RM-751478; and without adjustable pedals you will need # RM-9332 and # RM-751477

You will also likely need a high/low adapter so that your tow bar is level while towing, but you will need to measure your setup once it's installed to determine which one. In addition to the videos on installation and product reviews, I've added one of our helpful articles on how to complete all of this.