Can A 2012 Ford Escape 4x4 Be Flat Towed?

Published 10/14/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3324)

$575.00

Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(314)

$1488.91

Roadmaster High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 6" Rise/Drop - 10K GTW, 400 lbs TW

(1571)

$201.72

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors

(3183)

$100.94

Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs

(792)

$1545.00

Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles

(700)

$47.73

Question:

One of your experts stated that Ford does not allow for flat towing however the Ford Owners Manual up through 2012 does state the Ford Escape can be flat towed. Have your experts encountered problems with flat towing 2012 Escapes?

asked by: Larry G

Expert Reply:

I went ahead and also looked into this, and yes you're right, you can absolutely flat tow your 2012 Ford Escape.

With that being said, if you're interested in a flat tow setup, you are going to need:
A base plate kit, Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # 4414-3. This base plate kit is a custom fit kit that'll fit your 2012 Ford Escape, and will leave your car looking clean when not in use due to its hidden bracket design.

The next thing you're going to need is a set of tow bars. The Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar w/ LED Lights # RM-676 is a great choice. These tow bars will work wonderfully with the base plate kit above, boasts a nice 8,000-lb capacity, and an integrated LED light for hookup/disconnect in low light conditions.

Continuing on, you're going to need a braking system. A great option is the Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System # HM39524. This option is great due to its ease of installation, as well as its portability. When not in use, you can simply disconnect and remove the entire unit within minutes.

Finally, you are going to need a relay kit # RM-88400, more than likely a high-low adapter like # RM-048-6, as well as a set of tow bar wiring # RM-154 to connect your RV's tail, brake and turn signal lights to your towed car's lighting system.