Community Forums

MapleKing · 07-10-2019, 08:14 AM

We are in the process of selling our travel trailer for a class c and would like to tow our 2012 Ford Edge behind it. I'm researching the different costs and I'm seeing a lot of different components and I'm not sure which ones I need and which ones I don't.

For starters, I have a Blue Ox dealer near me so I've been looking at their components. I know I need a base plate for the car ($550) but initially I thought that included everything I would need. Now I see that I need a tow bar ($1500). For some reason I thought they would sell it as a kit and not separately.

Now I'm left wondering what else I need. If I buy the base plate and have that installed, is the only other component I need a tow bar or are their other required components that I need to buy?

Update: I do see that they sell a kit that includes both components:

https://www.blueoxtowbars.com/produc...,336&group_id=

Is there anything else I would need though?

**CLIFFTALL** · 07-10-2019, 08:19 AM

You’ll need an umbilical cord to connect the car to the MH for the toad brake and signal lights to work or some of the other options. You’ll also need to wire the toad lights. Finally you’ll want to get a supplemental toad braking system.

MapleKing · 07-10-2019, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLIFFTALL

You’ll need an umbilical cord to connect the car to the MH for the toad brake and signal lights to work or some of the other options. You’ll also need to wire the toad lights. Finally you’ll want to get a supplemental toad braking system.

Thanks. I see a kit for the wiring harness so I'll add that.

In terms of the supplemental braking system, is that a requirement? I'm guessing it helps save wear on the RV's brakes but I'm wondering if it's something that I need right away.

**CLIFFTALL** · 07-10-2019, 09:33 AM

You’ll find varying opinions on this. I personally would not tow a car without one. Some States mandate it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MapleKing

Thanks.

In terms of the supplemental braking system, is that a requirement? I'm guessing it helps save wear on the RV's brakes but I'm wondering if it's something that I need right away.

luvlabs · 07-10-2019, 09:37 AM

You need four things to tow a car - make that five if you haven't thoroughly read the owner's manual. Base plate, tow bar, braking system, and a connection to the lighting system for stop, signal, and running lights. If you are reasonably handy, you can do all of this yourself.

The prices you were quoted are way out of line with prices you will see online. You've got lots of resources - Amazon, eTrailer, rvupgradestore, and so on.

Your biggest decision will be your braking system. This somewhat depends on your coach - a gas engined coach requires a self-contained unit. With a DP with air brakes you can either use the self-contained model or go for one that integrates with the coach's air brakes.

We all have our favorite equipment and it isn't always BlueOx. So shop around and ask questions.

MapleKing · 07-10-2019, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvlabs

Your biggest decision will be your braking system. This somewhat depends on your coach - a gas engined coach requires a self-contained unit. With a DP with air brakes you can either use the self-contained model or go for one that integrates with the coach's air brakes.

I've been doing some more reading and I think the brake system is worth getting so I will do some research on different systems. We are looking at gas units so if anyone has any thoughts, let me know.

powerboatr · 07-10-2019, 02:27 PM

did our 2012 this past February bought everything from E trailer and used their videos EXCELLENT and it went pretty easy took about a week ( i was in no hurry)
other than a few holes needing clearance on the base plate, it was pretty easy.
I did have to order a 4" riser for the hitch receiver as my hitch was a bit low compared to the edge base plate height, so now we are level, vice a drop

i also ran a dedicated 12v supply from the coach 7 pin trailer connector to keep the battery charged and another dedicated 12v cigar lighter plug for the patriot
i used the roadmaster wire kit because the wiring was heavier insulated to run the length of the car to the rear lamps and it came with a heavy duty 6 wire cable to connect the coach to the edge

powerboatr · 07-10-2019, 06:25 PM

clarification
i did not use the roadmaster diodes as the wiring kit for the plug and play tailights already had those wired in.
and yes use an auxillary braking system

cataska · 07-10-2019, 06:44 PM

check out ebay for tow kits

GeorgeandTheBear · 07-10-2019, 07:49 PM

I just had our Ford Edge that we already owned, set up to tow behind our MH. The prices are off the top of my head, but I think I'm pretty close.

Roadmaster base plate - $425
Stay-n-play duo braking system - $1000
Ready-Made wiring harnesses for toad lights - $75
RVI Towed battery charger - $55
Installation by moonlighting Ford tech - $400
Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar (came with MH) - $625 at e-trailer

That's about $2600. I'm sure I forgot an odd or an end, and installation cost will vary, but if you allow $3000 for this you should be in the ballpark.

nvs4602 · 07-10-2019, 09:43 PM

Or you can just buy a trailer and haul any car you want. And suprisingly for not much more money then your going to spend on coverting your car . That you might only keep a couple of years and then get the fun of doing it all over again.

max49 · 07-10-2019, 09:54 PM

Can a Ford edge be towed 4 wheels down? Do you have a transfer case you can put in neutral? A manual transmission?
I just never knew a Ford edge could be towed 4 wheels down. More impotant than any thing else , make sure. transmissions are expensive.
I'll watch for your reply, just did not know they could be towed

triplewide · 07-11-2019, 03:53 AM

Remco and MotorHome Magazine appear to show it as OK for flat tow with speed restrictions and engine run every 6 hours.

After checking your owners manual to confirm flat tow, go to Etrailer website.
If you ask them they will list all components you need for flat tow, no charge for this service.

https://www.etrailer.com/maindept-RVandCamper.aspx

Victory Blue · 07-11-2019, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by max49

Can a Ford edge be towed 4 wheels down? Do you have a transfer case you can put in neutral? A manual transmission?
I just never knew a Ford edge could be towed 4 wheels down. More impotant than any thing else , make sure. transmissions are expensive.
I'll watch for your reply, just did not know they could be towed

It depends on the year and especially the model. We’ve towed our 16 Edge more than 40,000 miles; we just put it into neutral. We use the Air Force One brake system. Our year does require a battery charge line OR disconnecting one side of the battery; we use a charge line.

The FMCA yearly towable list is a good place to start, then check the specific model and year owner’s manual; look under recreational towing in the manual for requirements.