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Full Flat Tow Setup For 2023 Ford F-150 and 2026 Jayco Greyhawk  

Updated 04/01/2026 | Published 03/19/2026

Question:

Looking for help in choosing a tow bar system for a 2026 Jayco Greyhawk towing a 2023 Ford F-150. I would like a complete system including everything I would need.

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Expert Reply:

Hey Dan, Congrats on the brand new motorhome!

For your 2023 Ford F-150, I’d start with the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit, part # e86YR. This is a really nice option because it keeps the front of your truck looking clean when you’re not towing. The arms come off easily, so you’re not left with anything bulky sticking out all the time.

To hook up to your Greyhawk, the etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar, part # e34ZR, is a great match. The non-binding feature makes a big difference when you’re unhooking, especially if you’re not perfectly level, and the built-in drop and head adjustment usually means you won’t need to mess with a separate adapter to get everything level.

For braking, the Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo, part # DM86VR, is a really solid permanent system if your motorhome has hydraulic brakes. If your Greyhawk has air brakes instead, you’d want the Demco version designed for air brake coaches part # SM99243. This style does take a bit more effort to install and is usually best done by a shop, but once it’s in, it’s very hands-off and reliable, which is great if you plan to tow the truck often. If you’d rather keep things more flexible, the Blue Ox Patriot part # BLU37TR is a popular portable option that just sits on the floor and can be moved between vehicles, but you do have to set it up and remove it each time you want to drive the truck.

For lighting, the Roadmaster Smart Diode Kit, part # RM38FR, will tie your truck’s lights into the motorhome so your signals and brake lights all work together. It’s a clean, dependable setup, especially with newer LED taillights. One thing I’d also recommend planning for is a charge line part # RM-156-25 so your F-150’s battery doesn’t slowly drain while you’re towing. That’s a pretty common issue if it’s skipped.

A lot of folks do parts of this themselves, but between the base plate, wiring, and braking system, it’s very normal to have a shop handle the install just to save time and frustration. I’m happy to help you find a good installer near you if that would help. Just let me know your zip code!

Where do you plan on taking the dinghy setup first?

expert reply by:
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Heather A
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Mike B. profile picture

Mike B.

3/20/2026

I had these on my F150. I managed to break one of the bolts when I was towing it behind my Fleetwood Discovery. Before that I had bolts loosen up on me and was always checking the tightness before trips. I think the directions call for the non-permanent loctite and I feel like maybe I should've used the permanent loctite. They did mount up easily enough and had a clean look.

Mike profile picture

Mike

3/20/2026

@MikeB Extremely easy to install and has pulled my f150 behind my Greyhawk thousands of miles, no problem
Heather A. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Heather A.

3/21/2026

@Mike I am glad it's working well for you! I am curious, are you referring to the bolts of the etrailer base plate? I can speak to the engineering team here.
Scott profile picture

Scott

3/20/2026

I had same issue bolts loosened up. I red loctited them after and no more issues. Easy install. Get the plug in tow harness. Mounts under hood easy to install.

Heather A. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Heather A.

3/21/2026

@Scott Are you referring to the bolts in the baseplate? I can talk to the engineering team here. I am curious if maybe we need to change those instructions to say loctite.
Scott profile picture

Scott

3/21/2026

@HeatherA yes. All were loose and actually lost 1 and the metal bar that slides into the frame slot for the bolt to tighten in.
Jon A. profile picture

Jon A.

3/20/2026

I have no issues with this baseplate. Took a little time to install, but easier than one I did on an 07 f150. I have towed my '19 probably 1,000 miles behind a 2015 Kenworth Dump truck with no problems

Heather A. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Heather A.

3/21/2026

@JonA Wow, that's a real world testament to the quality of the base plate. Where did you go?
Jon A. profile picture

Jon A.

3/21/2026

@HeatherA I tow it to jobs that are more than an hour from home, if I'm going to work several days. It saves me fuel ,wear and tare on my dump truck.
Jeff L. profile picture

Jeff L.

3/20/2026

I installed this setup 1 year ago did all the install my self on a 2020 king ranch F150 Pulling behind 32' 2022 redhawk traveled to Gettysburg from Iowa and then to mackinaw city and north around lake supieor. no issue's love this set up

Heather A. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Heather A.

3/21/2026

@JeffL That sounds like an incredible trip. Did you drive the North Shore from Duluth to Grand Portage? My kids and I are planning that trip for this summer :)
Jim profile picture

Jim

3/21/2026

Hey Dan, Heather has got you covered. I put these on my ‘23 F-150 and it is THE setup. Install was not too bad and the taillight harness is a piece of cake. Good luck Jim

Heather A. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Heather A.

3/25/2026

@Jim Thanks for jumping in, Jim. I really appreciate you sharing your experience! It’s always great hearing from someone running the same setup. Where have you taken the dinghy setup so far? I love hearing about all of the adventures!

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