What is Needed to Flat Tow a 2016 Ford Explorer Sport

Updated 01/19/2022 | Published 01/18/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2125)

$575.00

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4614)

$528.69

Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs

(451)

$712.33

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord

(3186)

$179.96

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

(371)

$237.93

Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional

(494)

$1329.00

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

(754)

$1175.00

Question:

Flat towing a 2016 Ford Explorer sport, My Ford dealer says this vehicle cannot be flat towed

asked by: Larry P

Expert Reply:

For recreational towing there is limited trim levels/configurations of the 2016 Ford Explorer that can be flat towed. According to Ford from their online owners manual neither front-wheel-drive or four-wheel drive models of the 2016 Explorer can be flat towed. The front-wheel-drive models can be dolly towed. For this I suggest the Demco Kar Kaddy X Tow Dolly w/ Disc Brakes and Tilt Bed Frame, # DM9713093.

You can flat tow versions of the 3.5L EcoBoost or 3.5L Duratec equipped vehicle but there are certain steps that must be taken depending on type of ignition. Please see your vehicle specific owners manual for these steps.

If per your vehicle specific owners manual, you have a model that can be flat-towed, I suggest the following items:

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - # BX2668
Blue Ox Alpha ow Bar - # BX7380 (with safety cables)
Roadmaster Wiring Kit - # RM-15267
Brake Kit - # SM99251 (motorhome hydraulic brakes) or # SM99243 (motorhome air brakes)
Automatic Battery Disconnect # RM-766

When flat towing, you want the tow bar to set within 3" of level. To do this may require a high/low adapter. I have linked a help article below to walk you through how to identify what size you need for your flat tow set-up. Along with a link to the available selections. In addition, there are links to product review and installation videos for the items listed above.