Tow Bar, Base Plates, Wiring and Braking System to Flat Tow 2012 Ford F150 4x4 Without EcoBoost  

Question:

Expert Reply:

To flat tow your vehicle, you will need a tow bar, base plates that install on the vehicle and provide a connection point, safety cables, a wiring solution and a supplemental braking system.

The Demco Excali-Bar III, part # DM9511013 would be a great choice. The independent and self-aligning design make hitching the vehicle very easy, even on on terrain that is not pool-table flat. The 10,500 pound capacity of the Excali-Bar will handle the weight of your F-150 with no problem. Safety cables are included with the tow bar.

The base plate kit that fits your truck and matches the Demco tow bar is # DM9518296.

Of the various wiring solutions available, I would recommend the Roadmaster Bulb and Socket System part # RM-155. The kit will remain completely independent of the tail light wiring system of the truck and is very easy to install. The kit does not include an umbilical. If your coach has a 4-pole connector, you can use # DM9523004 or part # DM9523069 if your coach has a 7-way connector.

For a braking system, I recommend the Stay-IN-Play DUO # SM99251. The install is more involved than some systems but once that's finished all it takes is flipping a switch to set it up each time. You also need a relay, # RM-88400, so the truck's lights don't override the coach's.

According to my research, the 2012 Ford F150 4WD model is capable of being flat towed without modification, but I would strongly urge you to confirm that independently through Ford or your Owners Manual.

I have linked you to the products I mentioned, as well as to some FAQ articles that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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