Complete Flat Tow Setup for a 2017 Ford Edge SEL

Published 02/01/2024

Products Featured in This Question

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

(426)

$218.90

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(557)

$1692.50

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3621)

$575.00

12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps

(401)

$45.24

Roadmaster Smart Diode Kit for Variable Voltage LED Tail Lights - 7-Way to 6-Way Adapter Cord

(368)

$279.86

Question:

I have heard of many people successfully 4 wheel towing a Ford Edge but there is a lot of conflicting information on the internet. I have a 2017 Edge SEL AWD, console lever shift with push button start. Can this model be towed behind an RV by putting it in neutral? If so, since it is push button start, can it be left in ACC mode? Should the battery be connected or disconnected? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Joe B

Helpful Expert Reply:

Joe, your 2017 Ford Edge SEL can be flat towed and I'm going to get you setup with everything you'll need. The first thing you're going to need is a base plate - which is essentially the anchor point for your vehicle and the motorhome.

Personally, I'd go with anything Roadmaster that uses direct connection like # RM-524454-5. These guys have been pretty consistent in putting out a good product and they've been around a while so they've got the kinks worked out.

The next piece of the puzzle will be the tow bars - which is the piece of equipment that physically connects to the base plates from your motorhome. Again, I'd stick with Roadmaster here using # RM-522 but it is your choice. If you do stray away and want to use a different brand, just make sure that it's compatible with your base plate kit and that it has the capacity to be able to handle your Edge.

Rolling on, you're going to need a braking system # BLU37TR with a 12V outlet kit # RM-9332. This part is pretty self explanatory, but this is just for making sure you can stop your towed vehicle.

Finally, the last couple of pieces you're going to need is a wiring harness # RM38FR with the battery quick disconnect # RM-766. The wiring harness is going to give you your RV's tail, brake, and turn signal lights, and the battery disconnect is going to make sure your battery doesn't drain while towing.

For towing instructions with push to start, your manual says:

1. Start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal, and then pressing the keyless start button until the vehicle starts.
2. Press the brake pedal and shift the gearshift into neutral (N).
3. Turn the vehicle off by pressing the keyless start button once.
4. Disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery. You need the door key to lock and unlock doors when the battery cable is disconnected.

They also state to not exceed 65 mph while towing, to start the engine within 15 minutes of reconnecting the black battery cable (post towing), and to start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning of each day, and every six hours thereafter. With the engine running and your foot on the brake, shift into drive (D) and then into reverse (R) before shifting back into neutral (N).