Base Plates and Equipment Needed to Tow 2013 Ford Explorer Behind Motorhome  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The Blue Ox # BX2632 Base Plate Kit fits all models of the 2013 Ford Explorer, including those with EcoBoost and the adaptive cruise control.

According to the owner's manual, vehicles equipped with the 2.0L engine must be towed on a car dolly like the Demco # DM9713045 Kar Kaddy SS. Explorer models with the 3.5 or 3.7L engine may be flat towed if the procedures in the owner's manual are followed.

You'll also need a few other items to complete your flat towing system. For a tow bar, I'd recommend the Blue Ox Alpha 2, part # BX7380 which includes the needed safety cables. To wire the vehicle for towing, I'd go with a diode system like the # RM-15267. You'll also need a charge line kit, part # RM-156-25 to help keep the battery charged up while towing (I'd still recommend starting the vehicle for a couple of minutes every few hours).

For a supplemental braking system, I'd go with a portable system like the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. The Patriot installs in just a minute or two, doesn't require a lengthy and expensive install and can be moved to a different vehicle in the future if needed, so it provides a lot of flexibility for the user.

When installed on a 2013 Explorer with the stock tire size at factory ride height, the base plates will sit at 18-1/2 inches above the pavement. If this height is more than 3 inches higher or lower than the hitch height on your motorhome, you'll need a high/low adapter to bring it within that range. I'll link to an article that shows how to take that measurement, along with a link to the adapters we offer.

I've linked to some install and demonstration videos that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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