Recommended Flat Towing Set Up for a 2023 Ford Ranger

Updated 09/12/2025 | Published 05/21/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs

(792)

$1545.00

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

(304)

$850.05

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

(3183)

$179.96

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3324)

$575.00

Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles

(700)

$47.73

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:

Hi, I’m setting up a 2023 Ford Ranger as a flat tow vehicle. In doing research I see Curt has a light harness that uses the OEM connectors instead of splicing wires. You don’t seem to carry this kit Curt 58986, is there a problem with this application? Why do you recommend universal kits for the Ranger? I would really prefer to keep splices at the bare minimum. Your help is appreciated.

asked by: Bob L

Expert Reply:

There's no issue with using a 4-way connector on a flat towing set up for a 2023 Ford Ranger. It's just going to limit your options on a supplemental braking system to a portable one like the Brake Buddy Select 3 item # HM39524. Where you get into needing to use the 7-way to 6-way umbilical is in flat towed vehicles that require the battery to be charged or disconnected and supplied power from the RV.

Here are the flat towing components I recommend using to flat tow your 2023 Ford Ranger. I have also included links to installation videos. If you have any questions or additional concerns feel free to throw them into the comment box at the bottom of the page and I'll be happy to answer them.

Tow Bar and Safety Chains - etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar item # e74ZR

Base Plate Kit - Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms item # RM-524459-5

Wiring Harness - Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles item # RM-15267

Supplemental Braking System - SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System item # SM99251 or item # SM99243 if your motorhome has air brakes

Brake Light Relay - Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles item # RM-88400 - Only if using a permanently installed braking system.

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.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Jerred H.

9/12/2025

Hey, did the universal wiring kit work out for your 2023 Ford Ranger setup? I'm curious to know because it could help others looking to minimize splicing in their flat tow setups.

Bob L.

9/12/2025

@JerredH Yes, it worked great. I did have to cut the 4way connector off and wire them to the 6 wire plug but it didn’t require any splices except the connections inside the 6-way connector.