2025 Ford Escape Hybrid Flat Tow Wiring Parts Recommendations

Updated 08/11/2025 | Published 06/12/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4617)

$582.59

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(397)

$1577.38

Second Vehicle Breakaway Kit for Blue Ox Patriot Flat Tow Brake Systems

(414)

$101.79

Blue Ox 4-Diode Universal Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles

(197)

$80.58

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

(3187)

$175.27

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1201)

$42.86

Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles

(702)

$47.75

Question:

I ordered a new 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid FWD with Platinum Trim package to replace a previous TOAD vehicle. Im fairly confident the BLU92DR is the correct base plate. I already have a Blue Ox tow bar and Patriot 3 braking system. I also have a Rescue Pack 900 to power the P3. I know I need new break away wiring for the P3. I read that the Patriot in-coach controllers software is upgradable. My system is 4 years old. Do I need to upgrade the software? If I am not going to power the P3 off the Escapes power, do I really still need a battery charge line kit? Also, is the recommended Diode wiring RM-15267 instead of or in addition to the BX8848 Tail light wiring referenced in BXs installation guide? Is there any other wiring I might be forgetting?

asked by: Terry B

Expert Reply:

Hey Terry, thanks for all of the insight!

The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BLU92CR works for your 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid as long as it isn't the Plug-In Hybrid version, so it sounds like you're good to go on that front!

For your Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR you'll need the Breakaway Kit # BRK2505 as a replacement, and I highly recommend using the Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25 so you can power the breaking system directly from your battery. I like the ingenuity of the Rescue Pack 900, but if you ever get to the point where you forget to charge up the Rescue Pack, then you run the risk of the Patriot not working. You also need to install the Brake-Lite Relay Kit # RM-88400 so the brake signal on your Escape doesn't override the turn signal for when you need to brake and put a blinker on.

I haven't seen or read anything about the controllers needing any kind of upgrade, and I checked on the Blue Ox site as well.

I highly recommend the Roadmaster Wiring Kit # RM-15267 over the Blue Ox Wiring Kit # BX8848 because the diodes are better and more reliable, so it will be instead of (as opposed to "in addition to") if that makes sense.

I'm not seeing any other wiring parts you might need, but do you have any other questions about other flat tow products for me?

expert reply by: Jon G

Terry B.

8/10/2025

My TOAD vehicle is in and I am in the process of scheduling the installation we discussed above. Two new questions come to mind. I don't know if my Motorhome is setup to supply the Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25 with power. I have a 2021 Jayco Grayhawk 30Z. I have towed with it before, but we used the Patriot Brake system with the Rescue pack 900. How do I determine if the MH can power the Charge Line Kit? Do I need the RM-156-75 for my MH? The Escape FWD Hybrid can be put into "Neutral Tow" mode. I have seen conflicting info on whether or not the 12v DC socket in the dash will have power in "Neutral Tow", but the info leans about 60-40 to NO. In that case what do I use to power the Patriot? Do I need to install a new socket wired into the battery?

Jon G.

8/11/2025

@TerryB You can use a circuit tester like part # PTW2992 to check the pin in the 1 o'clock position on the 7-Way at the back of your motorhome. If you have power on that pin with the motorhome running then you're good to go, but if you don't see power on that pin then you need the Kit # RM-156-75 you referenced Yes, if the 12V socket isn't active when in tow mode, then you'll need the kit # RM-9332 so the Patriot can be powered up.