Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2021 Ford Ranger

Updated 07/27/2022 | Published 07/26/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(314)

$1488.91

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(397)

$1499.89

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1201)

$42.86

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3330)

$546.25

Roadmaster Accessory Kit for Falcon Tow Bars - Tail Light Wiring - Safety Cables - Lock Set

(73)

$320.74

Question:

I am looking to set up my new Ford Ranger to tow behind my motorhome. I have seen a few forum posts about the transmission failing after being towed due to the battery drain and the transmission reverting back to normal during the towing. I plan on installing a batter maintainer, but I am wondering if you offer a monitoring or alarm system that I could see from the drivers seat what the towed vehicle voltage is? That could save a transmission if the charger failed. If so, can you direct me to the product?

asked by: Bradley

Helpful Expert Reply:

We have the other parts you'd need to flat tow your 2021 Ford Ranger but we do not have a remote battery health indicator we can offer. A battery maintainer/charger like the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line kit part # RM-156-25 which would keep the battery easily topped off so that the issue you described would not occur.

For a base plate kit that fits your Ranger you'd want the Roadmaster Direct Connect kit part # RM-524459-5.

In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon All Terain, # RM-522. This has non-binding arms which makes the setup very easy to connect/disconnect.

For lighting/safety cables, locks, and covers for the tow bar we have the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain kit part # RM-9243-1 which comes with all of that as one part number. The diode kit that comes with this allows you to splice into the taillight wiring so that your RV controls the vehicle taillights and does not require drilling into the taillight housings. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

Most likely you will also need a high low adapter so that the tow bar will be level when you are flat towing. I attached a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.

I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing your vehicle.