Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2000 Ford Explorer
Updated 01/27/2026 | Published 08/25/2024
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Question:
I have a 2000 ford explorer 5.0 4wd and I’d like to flat tow behind my RV. The explorer has been modified from the stock AWD transfer case to a transfer case from a 1998 f-150 so it has manual shift 2wd/4wd/neutral/4lo. Can you recommend the products I would need to flat tow?
asked by: Jon
Expert Reply:
Hey Jon, the first thing you would need is a base plate kit confirmed as a fit for your 2000 Ford Explorer like the Roadmaster base plate kit part # 469-3.
In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon All Terrain, # RM-522. This has non-binding arms which makes the setup very easy to connect/disconnect.
For lighting/safety cables, locks, and covers for the tow bar we have the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain kit part # RM-9243-1 which comes with all of that as one part number. The diode kit that comes with this allows you to splice into the taillight wiring so that your RV controls the vehicle taillights and does not require drilling into the taillight housings. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.
And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.
I would assume putting your manual transfer case in neutral would be what you'd need to do but that's hard for us to say for sure. You might contact a Ford dealer about that.
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on Tow Bar
Jameson C.
1/27/2026
Hey Jon, how did everything go with flat towing your Explorer using the Roadmaster base plate and Falcon All Terrain setup? Were you able to get the transfer case neutral position confirmed with Ford? Your update could make it easier for others working with a similar modification.