Can 2017 Platinum 3.5 EcoBoost 4x4 Ford Explorer be Flat Towed behind Motorhome  

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Expert Reply:

I did some checking and your 2017 Ford Explorer 4WD with the 3.5 liter Ecoboost engine can be flat towed as-is with some restrictions listed in the owners manual.

It is not recommended to tow this vehicle over 65MPH
Follow prescribed towing procedures outlined in your Owner's Manual.
Start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning of each day and every six hours thereafter. With the engine running and your foot on the brake, shift into D(Drive) and then into R(Reverse)before back into N(Neutral).
On vehicles equipped with auto transmission, remove the black negative cable from the battery before towing. After towing, start the engine within 15 minutes of reconnection. Follow procedures in your owner's manual.

The Roadmaster base plate kit part # RM-524446-5 that you referenced is the correct fit for your vehicle and is very easy to use and install.

In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon All Terain, # RM-522. This has non-binding arms which makes the setup very easy to connect/disconnect.

For lighting/safety cables, locks, and covers for the tow bar we have the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain kit part # RM-9243-1 which comes with all of that as one part number. The diode kit that comes with this allows you to splice into the taillight wiring so that your RV controls the vehicle taillights and does not require drilling into the taillight housings. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

Most likely you will also need a high low adapter so that the tow bar will be level when you are flat towing. I attached a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.

I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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