Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid

Updated 06/06/2024 | Published 05/28/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4612)

$582.59

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4612)

$495.78

etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue Ox and Curt Base Plates - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6K lbs

(304)

$757.98

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

(3183)

$179.62

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1197)

$45.63

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit

(622)

$47.70

Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional

(493)

$1329.00

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(754)

$1175.00

Question:

We have a 2023 Ford Escape Hybrid and are looking for a tow base plate and braking system. We live in Madison Wisconsin and will need a local installer. Do you have local installers that you can recommend? We are looking at the Blue Ox BLU92CR base plate. We would need all the necessary components for that. In addition to you have a recommended braking system. I think we would prefer a permanent installation. But not entirely sure of the advantages of the permanent vs the removable models. Thank you

asked by: Randy B

Expert Reply:

Hi Randy,

Starting with the necessary parts I have the following recommendations:

Baseplate: If you have a non plug-in hybrid then you'll need the # BLU92CR; if you have a plug-in hybrid then you'll need part # BLU82CR instead.

Tow Bar: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue Ox Base Plates # e47ZR. This tow bar comes with safety cables included and has a built-in drop/rise to help keep it level between the motorhome and Escape.

Tow Bar Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This diode kit will splice into your factory tail light wiring to display the motorhome's traffic signals.

Braking System: Permanent systems are the way to go if you're wanting to be able to just hook up and go. Portable systems will end up taking a bit to get properly in place each time and then you'll have to store them when not in use so I typically recommend a permanent system, unless you don't plan on keeping the vehicle for awhile.

If you motorhome has hydraulic brakes then you'll want the Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo # SM99251. This system has an indicator light that will need to tap into the brake light switch on your Escape, which isn't useable so you'll also need the stop light switch kit # RM87GR in order to get the signal.

If your motorhome has air brakes then you'll want the Demco Air Force One # SM99243 instead. This system uses a reed switch for the indicator light so you won't have to use a stop light switch kit with this system.

Regardless of which braking system you choose once the vehicle is set in Tow Mode, it is critical that you wait at least 10 minutes for the vehicle to enter Sleep Mode. If the vehicle is not in Sleep Mode it will overbrake, causing severe, non-warranty damage.

The battery will also drain while you tow so you'll want to also install a charge line # RM-156-25 to prevent completely draining the battery while on the road.

To find a local installer you can use the attached link below and enter in your zip code.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Randy

6/4/2024

Hi Kevin, Thanks for the response. I was able to find a local installer and had some questions for them on the install etc. They did recommend a different braking system, Patriot. They alluded to the Demco, or any permanent solution, not always working as expected. Something to do with having in hook up to the hydraulic system. As much as I'd like a system that doesn't require me to install/remove every time we hook up etc, I also want something that is a reliable system. What are your thoughts on this?

Kevin C.

6/4/2024

@Randy The Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR isn't a bad choice, but portable systems can have a lot of issues when it comes to getting them set properly and ensuring they are properly depressing the pedal. There's a million other things you have to setup and pack when going on a trip so if possible I always try to go with a permanent system to make life easier. The comment about the Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo # SM99251, or any other permanent system, not working as expected would only be if the system wasn't installed properly. This system has an inertia detector and activates when the tail lights of your motorhome activate so it wouldn't be a hydraulic issue. They might be referring to the air cylinder having to tap into the vacuum line for the brake booster, but that also would just come down to whether it was installed properly or not. Either way both systems are reliable but one is going to be easier for you to use and the other will be easier for the installer to put in.

Randy

6/6/2024

@KevinC Thanks again. I think that pretty much confirms what I had thought. We'd really prefer the ease of the permanent solution. Are all the necessary parts listed in the original response you provided (2023 Ford Escape Hybrid, non-plugin)? If so I will just proceed with placing that order soon. Thanks

Kevin C.

6/6/2024

@Randy Yes, you'll just need to make sure you purchase the correct braking system depending on whether your motorhome has hydraulic brakes # SM99251 or air brakes # SM99243. The rest of the list would be accurate.