Flat Towing a 2017 Ford Fiesta SE With a 2017 Coachmen Leprechaun

Published 04/09/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3334)

$575.00

Replacement Quick Disconnect Crossbar Assembly for Roadmaster Tow Bars

(307)

$134.42

Roadmaster Guardian Rock Guard for Towed Vehicles

(57)

$615.00

Roadmaster Tow Defender Protective Screen for Tow Bars with Quick Disconnects

(209)

$615.00

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2126)

$575.00

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

(794)

$1545.00

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

(372)

$209.41

Roadmaster Accessory Kit for Nighthawk and Sterling Tow Bars - Tail Light Wiring - Lock Set

(26)

$224.38

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

(758)

$1175.00

Question:

I will be towing a 2017 Ford Fiesta SE with a 2017 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB. The hitch capacity is 7500 lbs. Your website recommends both the Roadmaster EZ5 with removable arms, Item # RM-524438-5 and the Roadmaster EZ4 Base Plate Kit # RM-524438-4. Question 1: Is one of these base plates better than the other for the Ford Fiesta? Question 2: Will both base plates work with Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - RV Mount - 8K Item # RM-676? Question 3: Is it better to tow with a crossbar type tow bar or without the crossbar type tow bar? Thank you for your help.

asked by: David C

Expert Reply:

For your 2017 Ford Fiesta and 2017 Coachmen Leprechaun, I recommend the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate # RM-524438-5 to every customer for the fact that there is so much less parts required and it has a cleaner look. The only time I recommend the Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit # RM-524438-4 is if the customer is set on wanting to use a Tow Defender # RM-4700 or Guardian Rock Guard # RM-4000. Those require the cross bar mounts to attach to the vehicle.

The Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-676 will work on either of their base plates. If you are going to use it with the crossbar style you will need to purchase the Crossbar # 910021-00 separately.

Like I mentioned previously I like the direct connect option over the crossbar style mounts mostly because how much easier it makes hooking everything up. You have less pieces to worry about losing as I have seen folks lose or forget their crossbar and try to find a replacement when they are out camping and trying to relax.

You will also need the RoadMaster Nighthawk All Terrain Towing Combo Kit # RM-9284-2. This kit includes locks to ensure your tow bars and vehicle don't wander off. As well is the wiring for your lights to be tied into the RV lights.

While your vehicle isn't heavy enough to require a braking system in most states I always recommend them from a safety standpoint. The brakes on your motorhome already have their hands full with the weight of itself. I recommend the Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251. This system would be mounted under the hood of your Fiesta and will activate the brakes when it receives the signal that your motorhome brake light is on and it feels the inertia of the brakes working. This helps prevent false braking while coasting and covering the brake pedal.

Be sure to consult your owners manual for any vehicle specific requirements for towing. Such as if you have an automatic transmission it will require disconnecting the battery cable or a Battery Disconnect # RM-766.