Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2001 Ford Sport Trac Automatic Behind a Winnebago Adventurer  

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Expert Reply:

We have everything you need to flat tow your 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac behind your Winnebago Adventurer, but before attempting to tow I strongly recommend checking your owners manual before proceeding. From what I could find, the 4WD models with the electronic shift transfer case and automatic transmission cannot be flat towed. Ford also has distance and speed restrictions when flat towing this vehicle.

To flat tow your 2001 Ford Sport Trac Automatic behind your Winnebago Adventurer with the Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar, # BX7380, you will need a base plate kit, light kit and supplemental braking system. Typically you would also need a set of safety cables, but they are included with the Alpha tow bar.

The base plate kit that I recommend is the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BX2166. This base plate kit is compatible with the Alpha tow bar and bolts directly to the vehicle frame. This kit does require the tow hooks to be removed, if you have them, for installation. If you do not want to remove your tow hooks, then you can use the Blue Ox Base Plates, # BX2152. You will not have to remove the tow hooks for this kit, but you will have to have tow hooks to install this kit.

For a light kit, I would recommend the Custer Magnetic Towing Light Kit, # RM-2120. These lights do not require you to splice into your vehicle wiring and simply attach to your vehicle using magnets. If you plan on frequently towing your vehicle, then you may be interested in the Blue Ox Tail Light Wiring Kit, # BX8869. This kit will require you to install bulbs in your tail light housing, but will install permanently and will not require you to route the wires every time.

And finally, you will need a supplemental braking system. We have a few different options for a braking system, but I would recommend the Blue Ox Patriot Braking System, # BLU37TR, for you. This braking system will easily mount in your towed vehicle and uses a proportional system that applies the brakes in the towed vehicle with the same intensity as the the brakes on your RV.

The Patriot also comes with a wireless remote that mounts in your cab that will allow you to manually override the brakes and will notify you if something is wrong with the braking system in your towed vehicle.

I have attached an article that will give you an overview to towing your vehicle for you to check out.

You have a couple different options when it comes to carrying your bikes when towing your vehicle if your truck bed is too small. One option would be the Stromberg Carlson 2 Bike Rack, # LA-102, if you have a ladder on the back of your Winnebago. I did some research on your Winnebago Adventurer and it looks like most of them have a ladder on the back. This bike rack has cradles that will hold your bikes to the rack.

For security I would recommend using a cable lock like part # e98891.

Another option you would have is a hitch mounted bike rack if your Sport Trac has a trailer hitch. One of our most popular bike racks is the Swagman Trailhead 2 Bike Rack, # S63360. You will also want to pick up the Swagman Easy-Out Adapter Bar, # 64005, to carry womens and childrens bikes safely. I have attached the installation instructions to this bike rack for you to check out.

If your Sport Trac does not have a trailer hitch, then you could also pick up the Draw-Tite Class III Trailer Hitch, # 75112. There is no drilling or welding required for this hitch and will simply bolt on to pre-existing holes in your vehicle frame. I have attached the installation instructions for this trailer hitch for you to review as well.

expert reply by: John H

0

Ron H.

12/4/2012

The info for flat towing a 2001 4wd auto trans sport trac is incorrect. It can be flat towed with the addition of Ford parts called a Neutral Tow Kit. This only works for a 4WD sport trac.

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Patrick B.

12/5/2012

Thanks for the information, it is good to have.

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