Parts Needed to Flat-Tow a Ford F-150

Updated 08/13/2014 | Published 08/10/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2206)

$575.00

RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

(677)

$70.90

Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(57)

$1930.00

Question:

I want to use the road master blackhawk 2 all terrain tow bar 10,000lbs tow tow an f150 with another f150.. Will I need to purchase mounting brackets also, or are those included? Are they universal, or unique to each vehicle? Thanks!

asked by: Fernando T

Expert Reply:

Flat towing a vehicle requires a number of components including the tow bar and base plates, which are vehicle-specific. The items required, in addition to the tow bar and base plates for the towed vehicle, are safety cables, a lighting/wiring kit to operate the toad's lights and a supplementary braking system (required by law in most states).

For use with the Blackhawk 2 tow bar I suggest you stay with Roadmaster base plates. You can use part # 495-1A for the 2004 F-150. These base plates will fit XL, XLT and Lariat versions but will NOT fit STX, FX4 or Harley-Davidson versions.

For safety cables you can use Roadmaster # RM-643. For a lighting kit the easiest option is a removable magnetic light kit like # TLL21RK from Optronics. For a braking system I suggest the Roadmaster Even Brake # RM-9400 for which a video is linked.

I have linked an article on flat towing that covers each of these in detail.

expert reply by: Adam R