Complete Flat Tow Setup for 2026 Ford Ranger with Base Plate, Tow Bar, Brakes, and Charge Line

Question

Question:

I’m buying a 2026 ford ranger looking to flat tow it. Looking to know what I need to be able to do this. Also what would you recommend for this truck. Also need battery line and want built in brake system. Thanks

asked by: Donald S

0

Expert Reply:

Hi Donald, that’s a great choice for a dinghy vehicle and you’re thinking about all the right pieces to get a reliable setup. For flat towing a 2026 Ford Ranger you’ll want to make sure it’s a 4x4 model with a neutral tow capable transfer case, and from there a really solid setup would be the Roadmaster base plate kit part # RM23DQ because the removable arms keep things clean when you’re not towing. For the tow bar, the etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar part # e74ZR is a great match since it’s easy to hook up and disconnect without fighting it and the built in rise and drop helps keep everything level.

For your built in braking system, I’d recommend the Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo part # DM86VR if your motorhome has hydraulic brakes, or part # DM26VR if it has air brakes. Both are dependable systems that stay installed and give you that set it and forget it confidence, and they include the breakaway kit for safety. For lighting, the Demco diode kit part # DM9523010-54 is a clean solution that ties into your Ranger’s lights without adding extra bulbs. To keep the battery from draining while towing, you’ll want the Roadmaster battery charge line part # RM-156-25, and if your motorhome doesn’t already have a hot 12 volt pin you can add it with part # RM-156-75.

This combination gives you a really balanced setup that keeps the Ranger charged, applies the brakes smoothly, and makes hookup straightforward so you’re not second guessing anything on the road. What motorhome are you planning to tow it behind, and where are you hoping to take it?

expert reply by: Heather A

0

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Donald S.

5/16/2026

How much would it cost to get this installed?

Mike L.

5/19/2026

@DonaldS Installation cost can vary quite a bit depending on the shop and whether your motorhome already has some towing wiring in place, but for a full flat tow setup like this most customers typically end up somewhere in the neighborhood of $5,000 in labor and parts combined. The braking system and base plate installation are usually the more labor-intensive portions. We also have a installer locater that I linked. You can put your zipcode in and find installers near you. If you’re near Wentzville, Missouri, we’d be happy to help with installation here at etrailer as well.

Answer 1

I sure can Scott! I verified with Roadmaster that their Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit item #RM23DQ does fit the 2026 Ford Ranger Raptor. It can indeed be flat towed and there are no other restrictions. This baseplate kit comes with all hardware…

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Answer 2

Hey Richard. Yes, the Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles item #RM-88400 is exactly what you need to get the lights on your 2025 Ford Ranger synched up with the functions on your RV. I've linked an installation video below along…

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Answer 3

Thanks for the information Kevin! To flat tow your 2025 Ford Bronco with a standard bumper and LED lights, I recommend the following parts: Tow Bar and Safety Chains - etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect item #e84ZR Base…

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Answer 4

Hi Brian, To flat tow your 2026 Ford Ranger XLT with your Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar, you'll need: - Blue Ox Base Plate Kit w/Removable Arms part #BLU77ER, this will require some minor drilling, and the tow hooks must be removed and remain off the…

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Answer 5

Hey Gary, yes, we do have a base plate for your 2025 Ford Ranger! What you'll want is the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit #RM23DQ. This base plate has removable arms, has hidden brackets for a non-obtrusive design, and has a simple…

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Answer 6

Hello Joe, thanks for reaching out. Yes, the 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor can be flat towed. Just make sure you follow all the steps and procedures listed in your owners manual. As far as the Demco Base Plate #DM78UV, this does fit the 2025 Ranger, but it…

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Answer 7

Both the Roadmaster and Blue Ox tow bars are great options. But if it was my decision to make I would go with the Blue Ox Avail part #BX7420 as we have found that the Blue Ox tow bars are a little easier to connect and disconnect from. Also this tow…

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Answer 8

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Answer 9

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 10

Hey Jonathon thank you so much for all of that additional information! To haul your bikes behind your class C Sprinter motorhome, while flat towing your Mini, I recommend the Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack item #HLY64FR and the Roadmaster Dual…

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Answer 11

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 12

Hey Andrew! Yes, Furrion does have a Chill Cube model with a heat pump. This was actually just released for aftermarket sale. You will need a complete system to make the switch, new R32 units aren't backwards compatible with old R410A systems.…

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Complete Flat Tow Setup for 2026 Ford Ranger with Base Plate, Tow Bar, Brakes, and Charge Line

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