Parts Needed To Flat Tow 2013 Lincoln MKX With Stowmaster 5000 Tow bar

Updated 11/04/2019 | Published 11/02/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2125)

$575.00

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2125)

$575.00

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

(3183)

$179.96

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

(654)

$71.00

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

(493)

$1329.00

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

(754)

$1175.00

Question:

We have a friend wanting to give us their StowMaster tow bar 5000. What do we need to go with it? Assuming a base plate for a 2013 Lincoln MKX our vehicle. They said it was only used once...should it have everything else we need? What actually comes with the tow bar when it is ordered. Thank you! Attached are the pictures they sent us.

asked by: Sandy H

Expert Reply:

I took a look at your photos and you have all of the components of the Stowmaster 5000 tow bar. The Stowmaster consists of 2 arms, a cross bar and the 2 L brackets with the white stickers. You do have a couple extra pieces. The two arms that have the hitch pins in them are pieces from your friend's vehicle base plate that you do not need. You can remove those from the tow bar. I have pointed at the pieces I am referring to in the included photo.

If your 2013 Lincoln MKX does not have adaptive cruise control you will need Roadmaster base plate part # 4408-1. If your Lincoln does have adaptive cruise control you will need Roadmaster base plate part # 4408-5. Both of these base plates are compatible with your Stowmaster 5000 tow bar. Safety cables are also required when flat towing, for those I recommend part # RM-643.

You will also need tow bar wiring for the Lincoln's lights to illuminate when the Motor home lights are activated. For the wiring, you will need a Roadmaster diode kit part # RM-15267 which gives you 6-way plug at the front of the Lincoln with a coiled cord that connects it to the motor home's 7-Way for a clean looking install. I have attached an installation video for your reference.

Almost all of the states require a supplemental braking system on the tow vehicle. For the braking system I recommend SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System part # SM99251 which is designed with a small actuating cylinder that depresses the brake pedal in the Lincoln when the motor home brakes are activated. The tiny cylinder is out of the way so you can drive the Lincoln around without removing the braking system compared to other portable brake systems that sit on the floor board. From your photo it looks like your friend gave you their break away wiring. You won't need that because new break away wiring comes with the Stay-IN-Play.

If your motor home happens to have air brakes you will need part # SM99243 which is the same system for air brakes.

Finally you may need a high low adapter to tow the Lincoln level with the motor home. In order to know how much rise or drop you may need in a high low adapter it will take some measuring. I have attached a help article for your reference and our selection of high low adapters.