Parts Needed To Flat Tow 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Behind Motorhome

Updated 06/25/2021 | Published 02/13/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3690)

$575.00

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(587)

$1453.58

Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 4-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit

(145)

$175.40

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

(680)

$71.90

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

(863)

$1545.00

Question:

I have a 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid I want to flat tow behind my motorhome. It is an automatic transmission HF45 model hybrid that can be flat towed i checked the owner's manual/. what parts do I need

asked by: Frank

Expert Reply:

To flat tow the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid behind the motorhome you need a baseplate, safety cables, wiring, tow bar, supplemental braking system and possibly a high low adapter. I have made a list of recommendations below.

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms part # RM39FR
Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All Terrain part # RM-676
Roadmaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables part # RM-643
Blue Ox Patriot braking system part # BLU37TR
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 4-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit part # RM-15247

Finally you may need a high low adapter to tow the vehicle level with the motor home. In order to know how much rise or drop it will require to tow level some measuring is required. I have attached a helpful article that helps you figure out which high low adapter may be needed and our selection of high low adapters.

expert reply by: Heather A

click to enlarge

Jeanne L.

5/20/2020

What would be a fair price to have all this installed on a new 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid? Is a RV dealer the best place to have this installed? If I bought the parts from you how willing do you think they would be to install for me? Or.... where else should I look to have installed? I live in Pa. 17201 zip code.

Chris R.

5/22/2020

I wish I could offer a cost estimation, but it really just depends on local shop rates. An RV dealer with an on-site shop is definitely your best bet if you have one around, since they will be experienced with this type of install. They should have no problem installing the parts even if purchased somewhere else, but it certainly doesn't hurt to call ahead to give them a heads up. You could even forward them the install manuals for the components so they can generate a good estimate as to how long it all will take (the manuals are attached on our product pages).

Fred S.

6/22/2021

@ChrisR purchased a 2020 Escape Hybrid to tow behind 2003 Jamboree, 3rd different towed vehicle. Purchased Roadmaster Nighthawk tow package and Invisibrake. After 5 hours, stopped to fill rv and, per Ford instructions, started Escape shifted into drive and then reverse and let it run 5 minutes or so. After another 3 hours brake monitor light in coach started to blink. Pulled over and discovered car battery was dead. According to rv mechanic, there is a 6 amp power draw on escape in tow mode that is too much for Invisibrake to trickle charge. So far 3 Ford dealers have no answer.

Jon G.

6/24/2021

@FredS That's not something that we have heard of yet. You did place it back into Neutral Tow mode after you started the and ran the engine or a few minutes correct?

See All (7) Replies to Jeanne L. ∨

Randy R.

8/11/2020

Should a charge line be installed to keep the 12v battery charged? If so, is a trickle enough, or is a "charger" recommended like RVI's.

Jon G.

8/24/2020

Since the supplemental brake system will pull power from the battery I do recommend installing the Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25. The trickle power will be enough to keep your battery from dying.

Margie S.

9/2/2020

@JonG I bought everything, had it all installed, and was disappointed to find that the cigarette lighter is not live when the car is off. There is no power to the brake. This is ok for flat Florida, but we are headed to the Rockies! Does the car have to be running, or is there a work around?

Jon G.

9/4/2020

@MargieS There is a work-around! All you need to do is install the 12 Volt Outlet Kit # RM-9332. This will give you that cigarette lighter that is always live you're looking for.