Flat towing?
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Flat towing?
I know this has probably been hit on several times but I can't get a definitive answer anywhere, even my dealer. My dealer sent me directly to Ford Customer service who gave me the 800 number to an RV company..
I read "Prior" to buying my 2011 that this new 6 speed can be flat towed with the driveshaft in... From what I remember all that had to be done was pull some fuse so the accessory didn't stay on while the key was in the ignition.
Anybody know the truth to Flat towing the 2011 F-150?
I just bought a Class "A" motorhome and we'd like to pull the truck behind us but I want to make sure I dont damage anything.
I read "Prior" to buying my 2011 that this new 6 speed can be flat towed with the driveshaft in... From what I remember all that had to be done was pull some fuse so the accessory didn't stay on while the key was in the ignition.
Anybody know the truth to Flat towing the 2011 F-150?
I just bought a Class "A" motorhome and we'd like to pull the truck behind us but I want to make sure I dont damage anything.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
I know this has probably been hit on several times but I can't get a definitive answer anywhere, even my dealer. My dealer sent me directly to Ford Customer service who gave me the 800 number to an RV company..
I read "Prior" to buying my 2011 that this new 6 speed can be flat towed with the driveshaft in... From what I remember all that had to be done was pull some fuse so the accessory didn't stay on while the key was in the ignition.
Anybody know the truth to Flat towing the 2011 F-150?
I just bought a Class "A" motorhome and we'd like to pull the truck behind us but I want to make sure I dont damage anything.
I read "Prior" to buying my 2011 that this new 6 speed can be flat towed with the driveshaft in... From what I remember all that had to be done was pull some fuse so the accessory didn't stay on while the key was in the ignition.
Anybody know the truth to Flat towing the 2011 F-150?
I just bought a Class "A" motorhome and we'd like to pull the truck behind us but I want to make sure I dont damage anything.
Steve
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 457
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From: SW ND
Your owners manual says (thanks to www.motorcraftservice.com ) flat towing is for emergencies only. 35 mph max for 50 miles max. Only way to flat tow is with a manual transfer case that has Neutral.
You need a drive line disconnect put in place to do this. Or you can pull off your driveshaft, install hitch and lights, and go. Replace driveshaft when you want to drive the pickup around. Those are your only options, unless you get a trailer to tow the pickup around on.
You need a drive line disconnect put in place to do this. Or you can pull off your driveshaft, install hitch and lights, and go. Replace driveshaft when you want to drive the pickup around. Those are your only options, unless you get a trailer to tow the pickup around on.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
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From: Bristol, TN.
I went to the MotorHome magazine website under their dingy section and found this in reference to 2011 Ford pick-ups.
"Only 4WD models equipped with a manual-shift transfer case are flat-towable"
Normally they are pretty good with this stuff, but my manual would still be my source if warranty was a concern. The problem, as I am sure you know with finding vehicles approved for towing, is many models that are flat towable are never tested in that configuration, so no one really knows. There have also been, at times, models that were approved for towing, then the approval was removed. Since this issue is not important to most of the consumer market, manufacturers often simply go with what they know is safe and ignore the rest.
I have owned multiple motor homes and have on occasion written for MotorHome magazine and know how confusing this issue can be.
Best of luck,
Steve
"Only 4WD models equipped with a manual-shift transfer case are flat-towable"
Normally they are pretty good with this stuff, but my manual would still be my source if warranty was a concern. The problem, as I am sure you know with finding vehicles approved for towing, is many models that are flat towable are never tested in that configuration, so no one really knows. There have also been, at times, models that were approved for towing, then the approval was removed. Since this issue is not important to most of the consumer market, manufacturers often simply go with what they know is safe and ignore the rest.
I have owned multiple motor homes and have on occasion written for MotorHome magazine and know how confusing this issue can be.
Best of luck,
Steve
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as a note:
the rv place said i needed a interlock gizmo welded into the driveshaft, an electrician to wire in the lights and some other stuff to a tune of $2400.
I've seen trailers cheaper then that.
the rv place said i needed a interlock gizmo welded into the driveshaft, an electrician to wire in the lights and some other stuff to a tune of $2400.
I've seen trailers cheaper then that.
Hotshot
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From: Bristol, TN.
Steve
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I know it won't help your situation but for information that might help others. All 2012 4x4's are flat towable.
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What you have discovered is anything can be made flat towable. It just depends on how far you want to open you wallet! <img src="http://images.ford-trucks.com/forums/images/smilies2/smhair.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Hair" smilieid="43" class="inlineimg" /><br />
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Steve
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Steve
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you've got that right. the trailer will be the best bet. a guy a dusty's said flat towing his caravan wears out the front tires fast... i dont know how accurate that is but at $300 a pop for the Michelins id rather wear those cheap trailer tires
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Bristol, TN.
Steve
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: SW ND
According to the 2012 Owners manual the 2wd models can not be flat towed. The 4wd models can be but you must place the transfer case in neutral following the procedure outlined in the Recreational towing section on page 276. www.motorcraftservice.com
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i read a very detailed article about the new 6 speed a while back and it emphasized this new design changes the way the drums are engaged...and subsequently made it possible to flat tow but i could of read it wrong or something.
ahh, better safe then sorry. buy a trailer and not have to worry about it lol.
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