Tow Bar connection to F150 Tow Hooks

[Berkyeng]

Hi all

On a recent camping trip I saw someone flat towing a Ram 1500 with a tow bar assembly that simply connected to the tow hooks on the truck.

I’ve looked briefly for a setup that would similarly fit my 2019 F150 but haven’t found one that doesn’t require substantial modifications to the vehicle (typical base plate setup).

Can anyone direct me to an appropriate setup? I already have a Blue Ox setup for my wife’s Ford Explorer but would like to take my F150 flat towed behind my MH.

Thanks in advance.

[mkirsch]

Horsedoc wrote:

Grit dog wrote:
^ I think the first idea is not a sound decision, the second idea is horrible.
Please just buy the right gear, or if you’re that handy to roll your own, fab up some actual base plates.

You are certainly right on the second idea! Ivy knows better than what he says.

If you've ever towed a pintle trailer you would know the first idea isn't sound. Sure it's not a dangerous solution like the slip hook idea, but the incessant CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK from the slop in a pintle hitch will drive you nuts.

[Horsedoc]

Grit dog wrote:
^ I think the first idea is not a sound decision, the second idea is horrible.
Please just buy the right gear, or if you’re that handy to roll your own, fab up some actual base plates.

You are certainly right on the second idea! Ivy knows better than what he says.

[JoeH]

Berkyeng wrote:

JoeH wrote:
The Blue Ox base plate for my F150 ( 2015) replaced the tow hooks. Just remove the tow hooks and bolt on the nubs for the tow bar attachment. No modification of anything on the F150 .

Looking at the installation videos online I would have to remove a significant amount of the front bumper and grille assembly. Hence I’m interested in the setup that simply attaches to the factory mounted tow hooks.

I've spent more time ( almost) just typing this response than it takes to remove the trim and bumper and replace, trim pops out , held in with plastic tabs, the bumper is held in with 6 bolts. remove the tow hooks, the base plate bolts into the space vacated by the hooks and the base plate has a couple supplemental bolts that you need to enlarge existing holes in the frame. It also has a safety cable. to wrap around the frame. Total time to install is maybe an hour ... and that includes a beer or two !
I installed mine in 2015 right after I bought the truck. I've towed 40,000+ miles.

When you're done with that, then install your supplemental brake system. I went with an M&G. Probably took another hour or so to install. I installed diodes on my tail lights and ran wires along the frame to a round 4 connector I put by the base plate mounts.

[Groover]

I replaced the tow hooks on my 2016 F150 and had to remove a snap in panel in the front bumper. I damaged some snaps getting the panel out and found out that Ford does not sell just the snaps. You have to buy the $160 panel to get the snaps. The base plate does use extra bolts and is more secure but be if you go that route be very careful removing that panel out.

That was 5 years ago and I still haven't towed the F150. My wife says that it is too big plus the wiring for the LED lights was so delicate that I didn't want to fool with it. And I couldn't find a braking device for it that I liked.

[Berkyeng]

JoeH wrote:
The Blue Ox base plate for my F150 ( 2015) replaced the tow hooks. Just remove the tow hooks and bolt on the nubs for the tow bar attachment. No modification of anything on the F150 .

Looking at the installation videos online I would have to remove a significant amount of the front bumper and grille assembly. Hence I’m interested in the setup that simply attaches to the factory mounted tow hooks.

[Grit_dog]

^ I think the first idea is not a sound decision, the second idea is horrible.
Please just buy the right gear, or if you’re that handy to roll your own, fab up some actual base plates.

[Ivylog]

I’ve thought about building one using 2 Pintle hooks to attach to the tow rings.



Also thought about using these hooks.

[JoeH]

The Blue Ox base plate for my F150 ( 2015) replaced the tow hooks. Just remove the tow hooks and bolt on the nubs for the tow bar attachment. No modification of anything on the F150 .