How to Flat-Tow a 2005 Ford Explorer 2WD
Updated 06/01/2018 | Published 05/30/2018
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Greetings etrailer.com, What exact equipment do I need to purchase and install to flat tow bar a 2005 Ford Explorer 2 wheel drive behind a 2004 National Dolphin RV? Can in fact the 2005 Explorer be flat/bar towed? What are available options?
asked by: Kelly
Expert Reply:
According to the owner's manual for your 2005 Ford Explorer, the two wheel drive (2WD) models can be flat-towed with four wheels down but the drive shaft must be disconnected if you exceed 35 mph or travel for more than 50 miles. In order to flat-tow this vehicle you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, flat-tow wiring, a supplemental braking system, and a possible high-low adapter. I have attached my recommendations on the following parts for you.
For a set of base plates I recommend using the Roadmaster MX Base Plate Kit part # 480-5 because the arms can be easily removed while not in use for a clean look. Then for a tow bar I recommend the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar part # RM-520 which has telescoping arms for better maneuverability and a self-aligning design for easy hookups. You may also want to use the RoadMaster Release Tool part # RM-066 which helps you to release your vehicle from the tow bar. For safety chains you can use part # RM-643.
The Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights part # TL21RK would then be used to signal those behind. These lights are cost effective, easy to use, and do not require any modifications to the tow vehicle. In order to activate the vehicle's brakes from the RV I recommend using the Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supplemental Braking System part # RM-8700. You would need to take a look at the attached article to see if a high-low adapter is needed.
Review and install videos are attached for you as well.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Partially Hidden
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2008-2011 Honda CR-V
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar for Blue Ox Base Plate - Non-Binding - LEDs - RV Mount - 8K
- Shop: Roadmaster High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 6" Rise/Drop - 6K GTW, 200 lbs TW
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms
- Shop: Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Shop: Universal Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Q&A: Which is Better Roadmaster or Blue Ox Tow Bar
- Search Results: base plate for tow bar
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: tow bar
- Q&A: Recommended Parts for Flat Towing a 2025 Ford Maverick
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Search Results: vehicle tow bar wiring
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2007-2018 JK Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited
- Search Results: tow bar base plate
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Best Flat Tow Package For 2019 GMC Canyon
- Video: Breaking Down the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between the Blue Ox Patriot BRK2019 & BRK2022?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: vehicle tow bar brake system
on Tow Bar Base Plate
