Is It Safe For Transmission to Flat Tow a 2011 Ford Flex

Updated 05/09/2019 | Published 05/08/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes - 4,250 lbs

(10)

$3525.00

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2164)

$575.00

Roadmaster Tow Bar Cover

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$73.74

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord

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$173.47

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1323)

$45.74

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(415)

$850.00

RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

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$60.90

Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles

(732)

$48.05

Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional

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$1399.00

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

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Question:

Will flat towing a 2011 Ford Flex Damage the transmission? The manual says to tow in neutral with the key in the acc position. I hear conflicting stories about whether or not it will hurt the transmission.

asked by: Ty

Expert Reply:

According to pages 248 and 249 there are no transmission issues when you flat tow your 2011 Ford Flex. If you have a front-wheel drive vehicle it can be flat towed or dolly towed like # RM-2000-1. An all-wheel drive vehicle can be flat towed or trailer towed but not dolly towed.

If you will be flat towing, you will tow in Neutral as you stated with the key in the ACC position. Before your trip you will want to run the engine for about 10 minutes to make sure the fluids circulate and then about every 4 hours on the road the same is recommended.

For a flat towing system, I recommend base plates, tow bar, safety cables, wiring, supplemental braking, and a high-low adapter to give you the complete system. Here are my recommendations for your specific vehicle:

I recommend starting with the Roadmaster base plates # 4421-1 and then using the Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar # RM-520. You can then use the safety cables # RM-643 and cover # RM-055-3 if desired when not in use.

For your tow bar wiring, I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
Item # RM-15267 which will use your factory wiring while protecting your electronics. I also recommend adding the charge line kit # RM-156-25 to maintain your Flex battery while towing. You will also need the relay kit # RM-88400 to prevent the towed vehicle's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn.

For your braking system, the best option if your motorhome has air brakes is the SMI Air Force One # SM99243 or if you don't have air brakes the SMI Stay-In-Play # SM99251. These systems are the easiest to use and have a great reputation for not having any issues.

Finally you will need a high-low adapter and I've attached an article to help with the measurements needed along with the link to all the options.