Recommended Flat Towing Set Up for a 2017 Ford Explorer

Updated 03/26/2023 | Published 03/25/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(402)

$850.00

Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(314)

$1488.91

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

(3186)

$180.17

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3327)

$575.00

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3326)

$575.00

RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

(656)

$71.02

Question:

Hi, I have a 2022 Coachmen Cross Trail 22XG with a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. I’m looking to flat tow a 2017 Explorer XLT. It’s a 3.5L 4x4 and the owner’s manual states this can be flat towed. My concern is the vehicle’s weight. Will there be any issues to tow this vehicle with my RV. Thank you! Respectfully,

asked by: Adam

Helpful Expert Reply:

It looks like a 2017 Explorer XLT weighs right around 4,500 lbs so you would be good to go. I do recommend confirming with your manufacturer what your RV's capacity is if you haven't already.

To flat tow your 2017 Ford Explorer you will need the following parts:

Tow Bar and Safety Chains - Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar item # RM-520 and item # RM-643

Base Plate Kit - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit item # RM-524446-5 (With Out Active Air Shutters)
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit item # RM-524453-5 (With Active Air Shutters)

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

Supplemental Braking System - Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System item # HM39524

High Low Adapter - The tow bar needs to be within 3" of level. If you measure the height of the inside top of the hitch receiver tube on your RV, and the height difference is more than 3 inches above/below the base plate tab height, you'll need a high/low adapter. I have linked a FAQ article that explains all this in more detail along with our selection of adapters.

I have linked several installation videos below along with the instructions for these parts. Feel free to email me back with any other questions you may have.