Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 1996 Ford F-350 7.3 Behind an RV

Expert Reply:

Welcome back! There are no confirmed custom base plate fits for the 1996 Ford F-350 trucks so in order to flat tow it you would need to have Blue Ox universal base plates # BX88266 installed. A professional installation is recommended.

For a compatible tow bar you can use the Avail # BX7420 if the truck is under 10,000 pounds. If it is over 10,000 pounds the only option is the Trion # BX7520P which has a lunette ring coupler so the hitch it attaches to would have to be a pintle hitch.

For lighting I recommend a simple kit such as magnetic kit # RM-2120. The lights bypass the vehicle wiring so you won't have to splice into the truck wiring for installation.

You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.