Flat towing, also called “four-down towing,” is a popular towing method where all four wheels of the towed vehicle are on the ground. This method is often used for RVs, motorcycles, and other vehicles that can’t be towed with a traditional hitch. Many people wonder if their Ford F150 can be flat towed, so here’s the answer!
A Ford F-150 can be flat towed behind another vehicle if it has a four-wheel drivetrain. If your vehicle is a 2-wheel drive model, the best way to tow it behind another vehicle is with a tow dolly or trailer.
Flat towing a Ford F-150 is a great way to transport your vehicle, and it’s relatively simple to do. Ensure that your vehicle has been properly equipped for flat towing and follow all the necessary safety precautions. Read ahead to discover what year and model F-150 is equipped for flat towing and how to complete the process safely.
What Year Ford F-150 Can Be Flat Towed?
The key to flat towing a Ford F-150 is dependent on it being a four-wheel-drive model, and only certain years of F-150s have that feature. If your vehicle is two-wheel drive, it can still be towed behind another vehicle using a different method or flat towed for small distances using a specific process.
The model years 2007 and newer of the Ford F-150 can be flat towed. This is because these model years come standard with a four-wheel drivetrain. If you’re unsure if your vehicle has a four-wheel drivetrain, you can check the owner’s manual or ask a Ford dealer.
2-Wheel Drive vs. 4-Wheel Drive
It’s important to know the difference between a two-wheel drive and a four-wheel-drive vehicle before flat towing your Ford F-150. A two-wheel-drive vehicle has power going to just two of the four wheels that are touching the ground.
This is the most common type of drivetrain, and it’s typically less expensive than a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
A four-wheel-drive vehicle has power going to all four wheels. This type of drivetrain is necessary for off-roading and can make towing a vehicle easier. Four-wheel-drive vehicles typically have a higher towing capacity than two-wheel-drive vehicles, and they can be flat towed more easily.
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Can a 2-Wheel Drive F150 be Flat Towed?
Flat towing a two-wheel-drive Ford F-150 is possible, but it’s not recommended. This is because flat towing can cause damage to the transmission, and a two-wheel-drive vehicle doesn’t have the same type of drivetrain as a four-wheel drive.
You can flat tow a 2-wheel drive Ford F150 up to a few miles with it in neutral. If you will be going more than a couple of kilometers, remove the driveshaft from the rear end so it doesn’t damage the transmission.
If you’re determined to flat tow your two-wheel-drive Ford F-150, there are a few things you need to do first. You’ll need to remove the driveshaft, which is the shaft that connects the transmission to the wheels. Without this shaft, the transmission won’t be able to send power to the wheels, and your vehicle will be safe to tow.
- You’ll also need to disconnect the battery, and you may need to disconnect the electronic stability control (ESC) module.
- Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to do this.
Once you’ve disconnected the driveshaft and battery, you can flat tow your two-wheel-drive Ford F-150 behind another vehicle. Just be sure to follow all the safety precautions and only flat tow for short distances.
How to Flat Tow a Ford F-150
Now that you know what year model Ford F-150 can be flat towed and the difference between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, it’s time to learn how to flat tow your Ford F-150.
Before you start flat towing your Ford F-150, there are a few things you need to do first. You’ll need to purchase a few items, including:
- A baseplate kit
- Tow bar
- Safety cables and a
- Supplemental braking system.
You can find all of these items at a local RV dealership or online. You’ll also need to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to prepare your vehicle for flat towing. This may include disconnecting the battery or removing the driveshaft.
Here’s a quick instructional video on how to tow with an F150:
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to flat-tow a Ford F150 2017 to current:
- Without pressing the brake pedal, press the start-stop button. If you happen to have an ignition key, you’ll need to turn it to the “on” position without pressing down the brake pedal.
- Then, push the brake pedal down and move the four-wheel-drive mode selector switch to two-high transmission mode while shifting into neutral.
- After that, within seven seconds, turn on the four-wheel-drive switch five times from 2Hi to 4Lo.
- You will see a message in the instrument cluster stating that neutral tow has been enabled, and you should keep the gearbox in neutral.
- Finally, press the engine start-stop button without applying the brake pedal once.
If you’re using an ignition key in a 2007 or later Ford F150, keep the gearbox in neutral and turn the key all the way to the off position.
To exit out of flat tow mode:
- Without pressing the brake pedal, press and hold the start-stop button once. If your car has an ignition key, put it in the on position without pressing the brake pedal.
- Then shift into park by pushing down on the brake pedal and then moving it out of neutral and into park.
- You’ll receive a notification telling you that neutral tow is disabled.
With these simple steps, you can flat tow your Ford F150 with ease! Just be sure to follow all the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a safe and successful trip.
Conclusion
If you have a four-wheel-drive Ford F-150, it may be towed behind another car with all four wheels on the ground, also known as flat-towing. The best option for towing a two-wheel-drive vehicle behind another vehicle is with a tow dolly or trailer if it’s a 2WD model.
A four-wheel-drive F-150 can be flat towed as long as the proper procedures are followed. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to prepare your vehicle for flat towing.