Easiest to Install Base Plates For 2017 Ford F-150 For Flat Towing

Updated 03/04/2022 | Published 03/03/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Motorhomes

(148)

$66.23

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Wireless Monitor - Proportional

(791)

$1425.00

etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(331)

$845.51

etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(728)

$561.32

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

(3358)

$179.34

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1306)

$45.12

Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles

(728)

$48.00

Question:

For a 2017 F150 - What is the difference between part number e86yR and e98961? They see to be the same. We are looking for the simplest installation of the tow brackets for a DIY

asked by: Sherri L

Expert Reply:

The two are indeed the same (just switching part numbers), and the simplest base plate installation for your 2017 Ford F-150 are absolutely these:

- etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e86YR

The reason the # e86YR base plates are the easiest install on your '17 F-150 is because they do not require the removal of your truck's bumper, which other base plates do. They will install right where your tow hooks are, bolting on and replacing the hooks on your truck. But for a DIY install, these are definitely the way to go. If you need other parts to flat tow your 2017 F-150, I'll go ahead and list them out for you:

- Tow Bar: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e34ZR

- Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267

- Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25

- Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Motorhomes # RM-156-75 (if your motorhome does not have one)

- Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-88400

- Supplemental Braking System: Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # DM86VR

The SD tow bar is compatible with the base plates and comes with integrated safety cables and an adjustable tilting head so a high-low adapter won't be needed. Having these features on a tow bar means you won't have to purchase them separately, saving you additional expenses.

I really like the Flexo-Coil wiring kit because it is designed to prevent any type of electrical feedback, keeping your Ford's electrical system safe. The Charge Line Kit is needed because your F-150's battery needs to be disconnected, and the Brake-Lite Relay is needed to prevent your F-150's brake signal from overriding the turn signal.

As for the braking system, the Stay-IN-Play DUO is by far the best option, and the reason for that is it gives you braking proportional to that of your motorhome. So when you hit the brakes on your motorhome, your F-150 is going to get the same amount of braking power. This results in much smoother braking than most systems which send out a pre-set amount of braking power, giving you a more comfortable and easier-to-control ride when flat towing.