Can I Flat Tow a 2018 Ford Explorer with EcoBoost Engine and Adaptive Cruise Control
Question:
Bought our first motorhome, primary travel is east coast what equipment is needed to flat tow
asked by: John K
Expert Reply:
I have a solution for you, but the Ford Edge, Explorer and Taurus vehicles equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 or 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine CANNOT be towed four wheels down. The 3.5L EcoBoost Engines do allow for flat towing. For the FWD versions of the 2018 Ford Explorer with EcoBoost engine you will need to use a tow dolly like the Demco Kar Kaddy X Tow Dolly # DM9713093. This tow dolly comes with disc brakes and a steerable axle that allows the trailer to track well behind the motorhome and will make maneuvering easier. The Kar Kaddy also comes with a full LED lighting setup and a 4 way trailer connector so you won't need to worry about an external lighting solution. If you have the 4WD version of the 2018 Ford Explorer with the 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost engine it will need to be towed with 4 wheels off the ground.
If you have the 3.5L EcoBoost engine (regardless of drive train), your vehicle can be flat towed with some restrictions, so you will need to consult with your owners manual and follow the protocols set forth. In order to flat tow, you will need a tow bar, compatible base plates, safety cables, tow bar wiring, supplemental braking and a high/low adapter. I've put together a list below of the parts I recommend using to flat tow your 2018 Ford Explorer.
Tow Bar: Roadmaster Falcon 2 # RM-520
Base Plates: Roadmaster Direct Connect Base Plates # RM-524446-5
Safety Cables: Roadmaster 68" Coiled Safety Cables # RM-643
Tow Bar Wiring: Roadmaster # RM-15267 and Roadmaster Battery Quick Disconnect # RM-766
Supplemental Braking: Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Supplemental Braking System # RM-9400 if your Explorer has the adjustable pedals you also need # RM-9332 and # RM-751478; and without adjustable pedals you will need # RM-9332 and # RM-751477
You will also likely need a high/low adapter so that your tow bar is level while towing, but you will need to measure your setup once it's installed to determine which one. In addition to the videos on installation and product reviews, I've added one of our helpful articles on how to complete all of this.
Products Referenced in This Question
Demco Kar Kaddy X Tow Dolly w/ Disc Brakes - Tilt Bed Frame - 4,800 lbs - Wide Tread
- Trailers
- Tow Dolly
- Wheel Decks
- 4800 lbs
- TIlt Bed Frame
- Cars/Trucks/SUVs
- 8-1/2W x 12-1/4L Foot
- Galvanized Steel
- Demco
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas Only
- Accessories and Parts
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Battery Disconnect
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Tow Bar Base Plate
- Removable Draw Bars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Video: Choosing the Right Tow Bar Wiring
- Video: DIY Installation for the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit - 2017 Ford Explore
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Replacement Quick Disconnect Crossbar Assembly for Roadmaster Tow Bars
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Video: Installing the Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit on your 2024 Ford Maverick
- Shop: Roadmaster Falcon All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Search Results: tow dolly trailers
- Shop: Curt Fish Wire Bolt Leader - 1/2"
- Shop: Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Hybrid Adapter Cord
- Shop: Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Article: How to Choose a High-Low Adapter
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Shop: Vehicle Lights
- Search Results: rm~156~25
- Search Results: falcon 2 tow bar
- Search Results: roadmaster falcon 2
- Search Results: falcon 2
- Search Results: blackhawk 2 tow bar
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Flat Towing 2018 Ford Explorer Behind Motorhome
- Search Results: 910021~00
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit
- Video: How to Install the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit on a 2019 Ford Explorer
- Video: Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect Installation - 2019 Ford Explorer
- Video: Mount: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit on a 2019 Ford Explorer
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
on Tow Bar Base Plate
