Flat Towing 2021 Ford F-150 Platinum  

Question:

Expert Reply:

First, your owners manual forbids recreational towing of a 4X2 truck. If you have a 4X4 then follow the guidelines in the manual.

You will need a flat tow wiring kit. You mentioned the # RM-154. 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, which does not come with the 154 kit. 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. Either version will work with your LED lights.

To flat tow your 2021 Ford F-150 Platinum truck you will also need a base plate kit designed specifically for your vehicle. I recommend the Roadmaster # RM38VR “direct-connect” kit.

Next you will need a tow bar. I recommend the Roadmaster # RM-522 “Falcon” All Terrain and Non-Binding tow bar rated for 6000 pounds. A non-binding tow bar will let you easily disconnect your tow bar even if your coach and towed vehicle is not on level ground or at a difficult angle.

When your coach and towed vehicle are hitched together on level ground, the tow bar should be within 3” of level, otherwise you will need to add a High-Low Adapter. I have attached an article explaining how to measure for an adapter, and a link to a page showing all of our adapters.

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 cannot bounce off the cable hooks. I also prefer the straight cables compared to coiled – it just looks cleaner when they are all tucked away.

You may find that your truck battery discharges while towing. You can stop this with the Roadmaster # RM-156-25 Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles. Installs easily using the 12-volt accessory line in your tow bar connector.

You will also want a supplemental braking system that improves braking and handling, and extends the life of your coaches braking system. Most states will require them for flat towing. If your coach has traditional hydraulic brakes then I recommend the Brake Buddy # HM39524 portable system that has proportional braking and a wireless display for your cab so you can see your braking system status. If your coach has air brakes, you will instead need the Demco # DM26VR supplemental braking system for air brakes.

I have attached an article below about supplemental braking systems.

expert reply by: Les D

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