Parts Needed To Flat Tow 1999 Ford Explorer 4WD

Updated 02/04/2026 | Published 08/24/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3503)

$670.00

etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates - RV Mount - 6,000 lbs

(336)

$877.82

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

(3397)

$161.90

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

(801)

$1245.50

Question:

I have a 1999 4-wheel drive Ford Explorer that I hope to flat tow long distances behind my diesel pusher motor home using a tow bar. It has an automatic transmission with an on-dash or switch to electrically shift the transfer case, but it does not have an option to put the transfer case in neutral. Can you please tell me if its possible to accomplish my goal ?

asked by: Ricky

Expert Reply:

Hey Ricky. I read over the owners manual for the 1999 Ford Explorer, and according to the manual they are flat towable. You will need to install a neutral tow kit. This is something that can be provided by a Ford dealership. We can provide the rest of the parts for your flat tow setup. Here is what I recommend:

- Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # 469-3

- etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates - RV Mount - 6,000 lbs # e74ZR

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

- Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional # SM99251

expert reply by: Jesse M

Jesse M.

1/27/2026

Hey Ricky, how did things go getting your Explorer ready for flat towing with the neutral tow kit and the Roadmaster setup? Your experience could point others in the right direction.

Ricky

2/4/2026

@JesseM Still have not accomplished my goal of flat towing my Explorer. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe I've learned neutral tow kits are rare as hens teeth these days, but they are nothing more than an stick-on label and low watt LED indicator light (that can be easily substituted) to mount on the dash that gets energized by a provided capped off positive grey wire near the right side of the steering column that only becomes active after a simple edit is made using a capable scan tool to turn on an option that is turned off by default. I'm certain an indicator light or Ford Tow Kit is not mandatory, but not quite certain if the computer edit is needed to be able to flat tow my 1999 4-wheel drive Ford Explorer and who knows what other vehicles. I would be happy to learn if the computer edit just allows activation of an indicator light or if it actually has a mechanical effect on the drive train such as putting the electronically controlled transfer case in neutral.

Ricky

2/4/2026

Jesse M.

2/4/2026

@Ricky Thanks for the update, Ricky, and you’re asking the right questions. On those Explorers, the neutral tow kit itself doesn’t mechanically shift the transfer case, it mainly enables the software change and indicator so the transfer case can be placed in neutral properly. The computer edit is what actually allows neutral tow to work correctly and safely, not just the light on the dash. A dealership should be able to help with the neutral tow programming.