Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2016 Fusion Titanium Hybrid Without Adaptive Cruise Control  

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Expert Reply:

Yes, we have all the parts and information you will need to safely and legally flat town your 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid

First you will need a vehicle specific base plate kit. For your Fusion Hybrid WITHOUT adaptive cruise control you can use the Roadmaster # RM-524434-5 kit. It is designed for use with motor-home-mounted tow bars, the direct-connect brackets are virtually invisible, easy to mount and remove, and they eliminate the need for a quick-disconnect crossbar on your tow bar. Installs on your Ford Fusion's frame.

Next you will need a tow bar. You can use the Roadmaster # RM-520 “Falcon 2” standard tow bar rated for 6000 pounds. For a little more cost you can use the Roadmaster # RM-522 “Falcon” All Terrain and Non-Binding tow bar also rated for 6000 pounds.

You will also need safety cables to keep the towed vehicle connected to your coach in case of a tow bar failure. I would recommend the Roadmaster # RM-645 which are 64” long and rated for 8000 pounds. I like that the connectors are made so they can not bounce off the cable hooks. I also prefer the straight cables compared to coiled – it just looks cleaner when they are all tucked away. If you find that your clevis hooks will not fit through the ears on the back of your coach you will need to add Roadmaster # RM-910022 cable connectors rated for 6000 pounds.

Next you will need a tow bar wiring kit. I recommend the Roadmaster # RM-152-98146-7 Universal wiring kit which includes everything you need to connect your RV's tail, brake, and turn signal lights to your towed car. Diodes prevent feedback and wire your car to operate as a combined system. Includes a 7-way to 6-way straight adapter cord. When you do finally get ready to plug your electrical cables in I would put a little Edelmann # 11755 dielectric grease on those connections. The dielectric grease will keep help keep moisture and corrosion out of your connections.

I checked your Owner's Manual (page 223) regarding fuses, and they make no mention of fuses that need pulled. If that were required I would have offered the Roadmaster # RM76511 Fuse Bypass kit. However My resources at Roadmaster say that your Fusion battery will eventually drain while being towed. If you find that this is your case, then I would add the Roadmaster # RM-156-25 Battery Charge Line Kit that uses the 12-volt hot line in your electrical to keep your towed vehicles battery charged while being towed.

Your Fusion weighs in about 3600 pounds so you will need a supplemental braking system installed in it. This will improve braking and handling, and extend the life of your coaches braking system. Additionally, most states require supplemental braking if your towed vehicle is over 3000 pounds. If your coach has traditional hydraulic brakes then I recommend the Brake Buddy # HM39524 portable system that has proportional braking and has a wireless display for your cab so you can see your braking system status or change profiles from your driver's seat.

If your coach has air brakes, then instead of the Brake Buddy system, you will need the Demco # DM26VR supplemental braking system for air brakes.

expert reply by: Les D

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