Recommended Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2016 Ford Explorer 3.5L

Updated 06/03/2020 | Published 06/01/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4617)

$528.69

Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs

(452)

$712.19

Blue Ox KarGard Protective Shield for Towed Vehicles

(106)

$346.84

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

(3187)

$175.27

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

(372)

$209.56

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

(496)

$1329.00

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

(755)

$1175.00

Question:

I am in the process of getting RV and would like to flat tow our 2016 Ford explorer 3.5L platinum AWD. Can it be flat towed with blue Ox tow bar system? Also, what kind of braking system/electrical do i need? Please help! Thank you.

asked by: Yoshi K

Expert Reply:

I checked the online owner's manual for your 2016 Ford Explorer 3.5L and it looks like you're good to go with flat towing your vehicle. I do recommend checking out your copy of the owner's manual to verify this and any specific instructions for flat towing.

I recommend using the following parts as a flat tow setup:

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - # BX2668
Blue Ox Alpha ow Bar - # BX7380 (with safety cables)
Roadmaster Wiring Kit - # RM-15267
Brake Kit - # SM99251 (motorhome hydraulic brakes) or # SM99243 (motorhome air brakes)

Some additional parts that I recommend are the Automatic Battery Disconnect # RM-766 since you will need to disconnect your battery, and the Blue Ox KarGard Towed Vehicle Protector # BX8870 to help protect your Explorer from road debris.

Most flat towing setups require a high-low adapter for the tow bar to remain level while towing. I have linked our selection of adapters for you to check out as well as an article that will help you determine which is the best one for your application.