Items Needed to Flat Tow 2017 Ford Edge Behind Class A RV

Updated 12/05/2017 | Published 12/04/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4902)

$464.00

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(475)

$1656.62

Blue Ox Alpha Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,500 lbs

(477)

$1079.00

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit

(668)

$50.49

12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps

(365)

$37.92

Universal Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(204)

$61.88

Question:

Im using a tow dolly now and hate it. Were ready to trade cars and looking at 2017 Ford edge and want to flat tow behind our 36 ft gas class A Jayco. What system do you recommend, and who should install it? I will have a mechanic do it. We had a break controller installed for the tow dolly is it something I can reuse? Thank you in advance for your guidance since were kinda new.

asked by: Tamara B

Expert Reply:

If you're switching towed cars and want to get away from the tow dolly method of transporting your car behind your Class A RV then you will no longer need the trailer brake controller used to activate the brakes on the dolly. You will need a different type of braking system for the new towed car, one that installs in it. This is among the items you'll need to flat tow a vehicle capable of being towed in this manner.

I checked the online edition of the owner's manual for the 2017 Ford Edge to confirm its capabilities in this regard. Page 237 of the manual indicates flat towing (or recreational towing) compatibility. Some versions Ford does not recommend for flat towing. 2.0L EcoBoost vehicles with automatic transmission (6F35) CANNOT be flat-towed (all wheels on the ground) as vehicle or transmission damage may occur. Ford recommends using a dolly for front-wheel-drive (FWD) cars and a trailer for all-wheel-drive (AWD) models. You CAN flat tow the 2.7L EcoBoost or 3.5L (with 6F50 or 6F55 transmissions) with all four wheels on the ground. So this is the one to get if you do decide to go with the Edge.

The items needed to flat tow include a tow bar, safety cables, a wiring/lighting kit, base plates for the car and also a supplemental braking system. Often a high/low hitch adapter and wiring extension are needed too. The linked articles cover flat towing in general and some of these specific items in particular. These article are a great starting point.

For the SE, SEL or Titanium versions with or without Active Cruise Control I suggest the Blue Ox base plate # BX2667, their Alpha tow bar # BX7380 (which includes safety cables), the Patriot portable wireless braking system # BLU37TR (and related parts # RM-751475 and # RM-9332) and magnetic light kit # TL21RK.

Be sure to review the manual for any prospective new cars beforehand to confirm they have the flat towing capability you want.