Self Install vs. dealer/technician install

I thought my Demco base plate on my Toyota Corolla was pretty straight forward. I also installed the kit from Rodemaster to use my car lights with the diodes. That was straightforward also. The only issue I had was cutting away some plastic fascia for the base plate arms to go through. It was a full day's work but after it was done it was nice to just put the car in neutral and go after hooking up. It is nice not having to mess with lights each time you hook and unhook. Same tow bar and setup since 2004, used Lock tight on all the bolts, never loosened. The only other suggestion is getting the steel tow bar, it has a higher tow rating than the aluminum bar and is cheaper.

Monkeyman_and_Lady wrote:
I'm getting ready to purchase a 2022 Ford Escape AWD hybrid for a daily driver and to tow 4 down behind my motorhome.

I'm handy, but know my limits. The video for installation of the RoadMaster tow bar definitely put me into the category of NOPE, I'll pay someone to do this work. Outside of my comfort zone.

Any experiences with having a dealer or technician put in the various systems necessary for 4 down towing? Brake systems, 12 volt charge equipment etc?

Looks like e-trailer shows a number of people in my state that do the work. But if anyone knows of places in Maryland that do good work and don't attempt the upsell to get installation of un-needed equipment, please speak up.

Thanks,

I've put on two baseplates. The biggest headache is removing the front facia on the car and then getting it back in place so everything lines up. The actual baseplates are simple to install.

BurbMan wrote:
The page 316 of the owner's manual for the 2022 Escape says ONLY the hybrid can be towed 4-down and it's very easy to do: simply go into the onboard menu and select "Neutral Tow". No other equipment like lube pump or driveshaft disconnect required.

Interesting that hybrid has this feature but the gas-only AWD and FWD versions say no towing ever unless on a full trailer. The hybrid must some sort of transfer case that combines gas and electric power that you can select into a neutral position like on 4WD trucks.

We flat towed a 2013 Ford Fusion hybrid for several years, was one of the easiest cars to flat tow and was designed very well for it. I miss that car, would buy another one if Ford hadn't quit making them, haha.

For the Fusion and Cmax hybrids, Ford used a CVT transmission that for whatever reason worked very well for flat towing. Just throw it in neutral and go, basically. Really cool thing as well was, power braking assist stayed on all the time with the Fusion hybrid (even when ignition off and flat towing). Sooo, auxiliary braking system I use (ReadyBrake) worked really well with it.

Not sure if the Escape hybrid uses a similar hybrid drivetrain or not, but glad to hear there are still a couple good options out there for flat towing other than the good ol' trusty Jeep Wrangler.

The page 316 of the owner's manual for the 2022 Escape says ONLY the hybrid can be towed 4-down and it's very easy to do: simply go into the onboard menu and select "Neutral Tow". No other equipment like lube pump or driveshaft disconnect required.

Interesting that hybrid has this feature but the gas-only AWD and FWD versions say no towing ever unless on a full trailer. The hybrid must some sort of transfer case that combines gas and electric power that you can select into a neutral position like on 4WD trucks.

Since you are in Severn I'll point you to someone who is very good at all things RV related. B&G Services, Owners name is Greg Jeffries. 410-353-0129. Tell him his friend and customer from NC gave you the number.....He is in Odenton behind the bowling alley and thats mostly all they do is RV work.

Without getting too involved, are you aware of what will be required to tow that vehicle 4 down? I'm only asking for this reason....I installed my Roadmaster tow system on my Chev HHR. The tow bar itself, fairly straight forward. For the lights, I used magnetic portable. The only other electrical I do is to pull one fuse.

If you having to deal with lube pumps or disconnecting a drive shaft, that's a whole new ball game. Just for info...good luck!