Recommended Flat Towing Equipment For A 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum  

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Expert Reply:

I highly recommend double checking your owner's manual to ensure your specific model meets all the requirements for flat towing as approved by Ford so you don't risk voiding any warranties or damage to the components of your vehicle. If it is, you will need a tow bar, base plate, braking system, tow bar wiring kit, and safety cables. I have the following recommendations for you below:

Tow Bar: Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar # RM-522. This tow bar features non-binding latches and a large hookup radius to make connecting/disconnecting on any terrain easy peasy.

Base Plate: There are a few different options based on the options on your Explorer, but I do recommend Roadmaster's direct-connect styled base plates.

# RM-524446-5 will fit all models, except ones with Active Air Shutters.
# RM-524445-5 will fit all models, except ones with Adaptive Cruise Control.
# RM-524453-5 will fit all models, except ones with EcoBoost Engines.

Tow Bar Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This diode kit includes everything you'll need to allow you to use your Ford Explorer's tail lights and wiring system while preventing feedback from your RV.

You'll need to remove the negative cable from your Explorer's battery, per the owner's manual, to be able to flat tow. To make this as easy as flipping a switch you can install the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Supplemental Braking System # RM-766.

Braking System: The Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supplemental Braking System # RM-8700 is a great choice if your motorhome has hydraulic brakes. This system offers automatic, real-time braking with an actuator box that installs permanently so that you never have to remove, adjust or reactivate. The system connects to RV and engages the car's brakes when the RV brake lights illuminate.

The OEM brake light switch on your Explorer is unusable to tap into for this system so you'll need the Roadmaster Universal Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751000 to alert you when the brakes are being applied in your Explorer.

Safety Cables: RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000lbs # RM-643. The coiled design of these cables will help prevent them from dragging on the ground and being damaged.

expert reply by: Kevin C

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