Flat Towing 2018 Ford Explorer Behind Motorhome

Updated 06/25/2025 | Published 11/12/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3597)

$575.00

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

(3507)

$165.27

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

(422)

$850.00

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3597)

$575.00

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3597)

$575.00

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

(673)

$74.09

Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only

(423)

$240.12

Roadmaster InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset

(303)

$1380.00

Question:

Can a 2018 Explorer 2x4 rear wheel drive be flat towed behind Class A?

asked by: Clyde F

Expert Reply:

According to the owner's manual, you can flat tow a 2018 Ford if and ONLY if it's equipped with the 3.5L engine. If you have the 4 cyl engine, you must use a tow dolly or a trailer. You'll want to consult your owner's manual for yourself to confirm this.

The owner's manual lists a specific procedure that must be followed before towing:

If the vehicle has keyless start, start the engine while holding the brake pedal down. While still holding the brake, shift into Neutral. Turn off the vehicle by pressing the start button once. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

If the vehicle uses a key, do the same as above, but turn the key to the slot between the accessory and the off position. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Ford does't recommend towing at speeds above 65mph, and recommends that the vehicle be restarted about every 6 hours.

If the vehicle can be flat towed, you'll need a few other items to complete your towing system.

You'll need a tow bar, base plates, taillight wiring, safety cables, a supplemental braking system and possibly a high/low adapter and a few other odds and ends.

The base plate necessary will depend on which engine your Explorer has and whether or not it has the adaptive cruise control and active grill shutters. If you don't have the 3.5 EcoBoost, the # RM-52446-5 base plate kit would be recommended. This base plate kit is compatible with the active cruise and grill shutters. For either engine, with the cruise option but without the grill shutters, use # RM-524446-5 or # RM-524445-5 for either engine with the grill shutters.

For a tow bar, you can't go wrong with the Roadmaster Falcon 2, part # RM-520. For safety cables, use # RM-643.

For tailight wiring, the Roadmaster # RM-15267 would be a good choice, as it's extremely easy to use once it's installed. Roadmaster also recommends a battery quick disconnect, part # RM-766.

For supplemental braking, use the Roadmaster Invisibrake # RM-8700. Once installed, the Invisibrake is ready to go when you are, no set-up or fiddling necessary. A brake stoplight switch, part # RM-751477 will also be needed.

The base plate height will vary according to which one you use, if the receiver height of your Class I is more than 3 inches higher or lower than the base plate height, you'll need a hi/low adapter. I'll link you our selection of adapters and to some help articles about flat towing a vehicle.

expert reply by: Mike L

Floyd

9/26/2024

Hi Mike my name is Floyd. I have hooked up my flat toe components for my 2018 Ford Explorer. Base plate charge line kit for my Brake Buddy which is included. Quick battery disconnect switch and my to six diode wire for turn signals and lights. Connected everything to the vehicle and I have no lights in the back. Functioning without being hooked up looks to be fine although I have a check engine light on and my back tailgate lift won't work

Floyd

9/26/2024

Need help on flat towing with 2018 Ford Explorer 4 wheel drive 3.5 L. Have all components hooked up and have no lights. Need some advice

Jessie

6/10/2025

Are transmission issues reported towing the 2018 explorer? The automatic transmission acts up. We've been able to get it working again by driving it in manual for a few miles. Any suggestions?

Mike L.

6/19/2025

@Jessie We haven't received any reports, but you can do a Google search on that for all the details. Which engine does your Explorer have? According to the owner's manual, only models with the 3.5L Duratec/EcoBoost can be flat towed.

Jessie

6/19/2025

@MikeL according to what I read it just needs to be 3.5 L V6. Is that not correct?

Mike L.

6/19/2025

@Jessie Per the owner's manual, the 3.5L equipped models are indeed flat towable. However, there's a VERY precise set of steps that need to be followed exactly. That info can be found in the 'Recreational Towing' section of the owner's manual.