Can A 2020 Ford F150 Be Flat Towed
Flat towing is a popular way for RV owners and travelers to bring their vehicles along without using a trailer or dolly. When you own a 2020 Ford F-150, you may wonder if it can be flat towed behind your motorhome or RV. Flat towing, sometimes called “dinghy towing,” means pulling a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. It offers convenience and flexibility, but not all vehicles are designed for this method.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about flat towing a 2020 Ford F-150. We’ll look at which trims and drivetrains are allowed, what equipment you need, how to do it safely, and common mistakes to avoid.
If you plan to hit the road with your truck in tow, you’ll find all the practical advice you need here.
Can You Flat Tow A 2020 Ford F-150?
Not every 2020 Ford F-150 can be flat towed. The answer depends on the drivetrain and engine. Ford’s official owner’s manual says that certain models are approved for flat towing, but others are not.
- 4WD models with a neutral transfer case: You can flat tow these trucks if they have a two-speed transfer case and a manual-shift-on-the-fly (MSOF) or electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) system.
- 2WD models: You cannot flat tow these F-150s. Towing them this way will damage the transmission.
- Raptor and Limited trims: The 2020 F-150 Raptor and Limited with 4WD can be flat towed, but you must follow special procedures.
Before you flat tow, always check your owner’s manual or speak to your dealer. If you tow the wrong model, you risk serious transmission damage.
Required Equipment For Flat Towing
Flat towing needs some special equipment to make the process safe and legal. Here’s what you need:
- Baseplate Kit: This attaches securely to the frame of your F-150 and connects to the tow bar. Make sure to buy one that fits the 2020 model.
- Tow Bar: A heavy-duty tow bar links your truck to the RV. Look for one rated for the F-150’s weight.
- Supplemental Braking System: Most states require a braking system in the towed vehicle. This device helps stop the truck when your RV brakes.
- Safety Cables: These are backup connections in case the tow bar fails.
- Lighting Solution: You must have working brake and turn lights on your truck while it’s being towed. This can be a wiring kit or magnetic lights.
A common mistake is forgetting the braking and lighting systems. Not only is this illegal in many places, but it’s also very unsafe.
Credit: www.etrailer.com
Steps To Flat Tow A 2020 Ford F-150
Flat towing a 2020 Ford F-150 is not difficult, but you must follow the right steps. Missing one can mean expensive repairs.
- Check the Transfer Case: Confirm your truck has a two-speed 4WD transfer case with a neutral position. This is essential.
- Prepare the Truck: Park on a level surface, connect the tow bar, attach safety cables, and hook up the lighting and braking systems.
- Set the Transfer Case to Neutral: With your foot on the brake, shift the transmission to neutral, then set the transfer case to neutral. Instructions are in your owner’s manual.
- Confirm Neutral Tow Mode: Some F-150s have a “Neutral Tow” light on the dashboard. Make sure it is on before towing.
- Double-Check Everything: Walk around the truck. Confirm all connections are secure and lights work.
- Release the Parking Brake: Never flat tow with the parking brake on.
Two common mistakes: forgetting to set the transfer case to neutral (which can destroy your transmission) and not releasing the parking brake.
Trims And Engines That Can Be Flat Towed
The 2020 Ford F-150 comes in several trims and engines. Here’s what you should know:
- XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum (4WD with two-speed transfer case): Approved for flat towing if you follow the steps above.
- Raptor, Limited (4WD only): Flat towing is allowed with proper procedures.
- All 2WD models: Not approved for flat towing.
Engines that can be flat towed include the 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, and the 3.0L Diesel, but only in 4WD models with the right transfer case.
Table: Which 2020 F-150 Models Can Be Flat Towed?
Below is a summary to help you quickly identify if your F-150 is suitable for flat towing:
| Trim | Drivetrain | Engine | Flat Tow? |
|---|---|---|---|
| XL/XLT/Lariat/King Ranch/Platinum | 4WD (Two-speed transfer case) | Any | Yes |
| Raptor | 4WD | 3.5L EcoBoost | Yes |
| Limited | 4WD | 3.5L EcoBoost | Yes |
| Any 2WD Model | 2WD | Any | No |
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Flat towing can seem simple, but owners often make mistakes that lead to big problems.
- Not verifying the transfer case: Failing to check if your F-150 has a two-speed transfer case can ruin the transmission.
- Using a regular tow bar: The F-150 is heavy; only use a tow bar rated for trucks.
- Ignoring the supplemental braking system: Skipping this can lead to accidents and fines.
- Forgetting to disconnect the battery: Some F-150s may drain the battery while being towed. Check your manual for guidance.
A useful tip: Always do a short test drive in a parking lot to confirm all systems work before heading out on a long journey.
Credit: www.sherwoodford.ca
Table: Equipment Checklist
Here’s an equipment checklist for flat towing a 2020 Ford F-150:
| Equipment | Purpose | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Baseplate Kit | Frame connection | Yes |
| Tow Bar | Towing linkage | Yes |
| Safety Cables | Backup security | Yes |
| Supplemental Braking | Braking safety | Yes (by law in many states) |
| Lighting Kit | Tail/brake lights | Yes |
Real-world Tips For Safe Flat Towing
- Practice backing up: You cannot back up with a flat-towed vehicle. Plan routes to avoid tight situations.
- Check tire pressure: Low tires on the towed truck can cause sway or damage.
- Carry spare parts: Keep extra pins and clips for your tow bar.
- Have roadside assistance: Towing setups can fail. Be prepared for emergencies.
- Know the law: Some states require extra reflectors or safety equipment.
Two insights beginners often miss: The importance of regular maintenance on the tow bar and cables, and the need to check for software updates—Ford sometimes releases updates that affect towing features.
If you want more technical details, the official Ford Towing Guide provides in-depth information.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Flat Tow A 2020 F-150 With A 10-speed Automatic Transmission?
Yes, you can flat tow if your 2020 F-150 is a 4WD model with a two-speed transfer case and you follow the correct steps. The 10-speed transmission itself does not prevent flat towing, but the drivetrain must be suitable.
How Fast Can I Drive While Flat Towing My F-150?
Ford recommends not exceeding 70 mph when flat towing the 2020 F-150. Always check your tow bar and RV manufacturer’s speed limits as well.
Is A Driveshaft Disconnect Needed For Flat Towing?
No, a driveshaft disconnect is not required if your F-150 is a 4WD model with a two-speed transfer case. Setting the transfer case to neutral disconnects the drivetrain safely.
What Happens If I Flat Tow A 2wd F-150?
Flat towing a 2WD 2020 F-150 will damage the transmission and is not allowed. You must use a trailer or dolly for these models.
Do I Need To Disconnect The Battery When Flat Towing?
Some 2020 F-150s may require battery disconnection to prevent drain. Check your owner’s manual for your specific trim and features, as electronic systems can vary.
Flat towing a 2020 Ford F-150 can be safe and convenient if you follow the right procedures. By checking your model, using the right equipment, and preparing carefully, you can enjoy the open road with your truck in tow. Always consult your manual and stay up to date with the latest Ford guidelines for the best results.
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