Flat Tow Set Up for 2023 Ford Ranger XLT for a Blue Ox Ascent Tow Bar

Question

Question:

I am looking to buy a 2023 Ford Ranger XLT to flat tow behind our motorhome. I have a good used set of ascent blue ox tow bars BX4370. Please recommend what base plates, brake system and wires needed to flat tow.

asked by: Steven C

0

Expert Reply:

Hi Steven,

To tow a 2023 Ford Ranger XLT with a Blue Ox tow bar you'll need the following:

-Blue Ox Base Plate Kit with Removable Arms part # BLU77XR

-Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles part # RM-15267, includes the 7-way to 6-way coiled adapter cord and 6-way socket. It will connect the RV's tail, brake, and turn signal lights to your towed vehicle and prevent feedback that could damage the vehicle's electrical components.

-Roadmaster Brake Light Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles part # RM-88400 ensures your vehicle's lights flat in synchrony with your towed vehicle's and prevent the towed vehicle from canceling the RV's turn signals.

-Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System part # BLU37TR is a proportional, portable braking system that requires no permanent installation and works with RVs that have air or hydraulic brakes.

-12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps # RM-9332, to install 12V to use Blue Ox Patriot braking system

-Blue Ox 7' Safety Cables part # BX88196 (if you don't already have some)

-Roadmaster Tow Defender Protective Screen for Towed Vehicles part # RM-4750 blocks gravel and road debris from damaging the vehicle when it's being flat towed. It'll mount onto your tow bar and RV hitch receiver with included brackets. It is confirmed to work with Blue Ox tow bars and base plates as well.

-Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles part # RM-156-25 to keep the battery from dying while towing and keep it charged to power the braking system.

Where are you planning on towing your new Ford Ranger first?

expert reply by: Claire H

0

RM-4750 Installed Between RV and Towed Vehicle
(click to enlarge)

Steven C.

6/22/2026

Thanks Claire, 1. Why is the 12 volt outlet kit required? Can I not use the power outlet that is in the truck? Or is it not big enough? 2. Do I need a wire kit to charge battery when in tow? Thanks again Steve

Claire H.

6/22/2026

@StevenC That's a great question! Most vehicles in tow mode don't have power to their 12V outlet so it wouldn't be able to power the braking system. The 12V kit is wired directly to the battery so the Blue Ox Patriot braking system will always have power while towing. You're correct, while you won't need to disconnect the battery to tow, you will need a Battery Charge Line Kit part # RM-156-25 to keep the battery charged (and the braking system powered). Thanks for catching that!

Steven

7/8/2026

@ClaireH Does this breaker include a diode or is it just a breaker. My understanding is that the diode as a one-way valve for electricity. It allows current to flow easily in one direction but blocks it from flowing backward. Is a diode needed for the 2023 for ranger xlt or not? Thank You

Claire H.

7/8/2026

@Steven The # RM-156-25 is just a breaker and the necessary wiring and hardware to install it. If installed correctly you shouldn't need to use a diode, but you can install one to ensure there isn't any feedback coming from the battery. It's not common for that to happen, but we have heard of it before. You could use something like the Roadmaster Single Park Light Diode part # RM-690 that's simple single wire diode.

Billy R.

6/24/2026

I purchased the base plate for 2019 Ranger XLT , the coach i purchased had already installed air line and brake buddy that hooked up to the ranger base plate has worked fine

Claire H.

6/24/2026

@BillyR Glad your base plates worked out for you! What motorcoach did you buy to flat tow your Ford Ranger?

Answer 1

No, you do not Albert. I looked up the flat towing process for a 2023 Ford Ranger and you do not have to disconnect the battery when flat towing. You will however need the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit item #RM-156-25 to keep your battery from…

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Answer 2

Hey Wayne, I took a look at everything you have and I'd say you're really close but there are some things that aren't quite there. The base plate #BLU77XR, adapter #RM-031-5, brake lite relay #RM-88400, and wiring harness #RM-15267 are…

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Answer 3

I completely understand your confusion Jim. As someone who has worked with all the different manufacturers over the years here are the best components which I recommend for you to use. First you will need the Roadmaster Base Plate #RM-524459-5 for…

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Answer 4

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…

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Answer 5

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 6

Gladly! The difference between the Blue Ox Patriot 3 Radio Frequency, Portable Braking System BRK2019 and the Blue Ox Patriot Radio Frequency, Portable Braking System #BLU37TR is that the Blue Ox Patriot 3 RBRK2019 is older, no longer available, and…

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Answer 7

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 8

Hey Lucian! There are definitely a lot of options out there, and the best is usually a mix of parts from different manufacturers. We don't have a package under a single part number but I can give you a list of parts for a complete setup. I…

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Answer 9

Thanks for the information Bob! Flat towing a leased 2025 Ford Bronco Badlands without making any modifications is going to be creative when it comes to powering your lights and a braking system but we do have all the parts you'll need. I've…

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Answer 10

Hey Jim; the Curt RVibrake Shadow 2 #RVI94FR is not compatible with your 2026 Maverick. Initially it was listed as a fit but Curt/Lippert came out with an exclusion list that includes the Maverick Hybrid. Right now it is listed as 2022-2025 but it…

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Answer 11

Hey Steve, thanks for reaching out! The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit #RM87NQ fits your 2025 Ford Maverick as long as it's the Hybrid model that doesn't have the engine block heater. It doesn't come with the 6-Pin connector,…

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Answer 12

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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Flat Tow Set Up for 2023 Ford Ranger XLT for a Blue Ox Ascent Tow Bar

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