Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Behind a Motorhome

Updated 06/01/2024 | Published 06/22/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs

(820)

$1545.00

Roadmaster Tow Bar Cover

(666)

$64.90

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1303)

$45.15

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3468)

$575.00

Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles

(727)

$43.69

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(791)

$1245.50

Question:

What do I need to tow 13th generation F-150 behind a motorhome?

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

In order to flat-tow a thirteenth generation (2015-2018) Ford F-150 with all four wheels on the ground behind a motorhome you are going to need a tow bar, base plate kit, safety cables, tail light wiring harness, supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. There may also be a few other smaller components that are needed depending on options the vehicle is equipped with.

For a tow bar, I recommend the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain Tow Bar # RM-676. The Nighthawk is one of the best tow bars we offer. It has a non-binding and self-aligning design which makes for an extremely easy hookup. It also comes with safety cables and a wiring extension. This towbar is then compatible with the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit part # RM-524431-5. The EZ5 Base Plate Kit is a custom fit for your F-150 and will provide you with removable arms which makes for a clean look while not in tow.

Then for a tail light wiring harness I recommend the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles part # HM56009. This kit plugs into a pre wired connector on your F-150 which minimizes splicing. In order to then make the harness compatible with the wiring extension on the Nighthawk tow bar you will need to cut off the 4-way and wire the 6-way connector which comes with the tow bar.

For a supplemental braking system, I recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System part # SM99251. I like this system because it is a one time setup and everything will be hidden once installed. In order for this system to operate properly in your vehicle you will also need to use the Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles part # RM-88400.

If you plan on towing the vehicle for extended periods of time, then in order to prevent a dead battery on the toad, I also recommend using the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles part # RM-156-25 as this will prevent that from happening. Another possible item you may want to consider is the Roadmaster Tow Bar Cover part # RM-055-3 as this will protect your Nighthawk while not in use.

Finally, you may or may not need to use a high-low adapter. In order to determine if there is a need to use one you will want to measure from the ground to the center of the base plate kit on the vehicle and compare that distance to the measurement from the ground to the center of the trailer hitch on the motorhome. If this distance is not within 3" of one another then you will want to use a high-low adapter which I have attached a list of for you in addition to several other review videos on the above products.

expert reply by: Conner L

Fred M.

5/31/2024

Conner. Does your recommendations apply to a 2019 F150 Lariat (4WD 10 speed xmission)? Do I need to go to a special garage to install things?

Robin H.

6/1/2024

@FredM the same parts will fit your 2019 F-150 Lariat. If you don't want to install the parts yourself you can take them to an installer but you shouldn't need a specialty garage. Make sure you follow the steps from your owner's manual under "Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels." I attached a link to our dealer locator if you're looking for local installers.

Helpful Links

installer/near-me/wentzville-mo/base-plates