Hauling your Raptor behind a MotorHome.

[dmarkh]

For me, the only downside of flat towing is the extra cost of a braking system for the truck. If you are getting a diesel pusher, the best system is the Air Force One, and the diode kit for the brake lights.

That Air Force One looks really nice. Pricey but probably worth it.

 

[jzweedyk]

Parking on the trailer is OK sometimes, but unless you have a tilting trailer, you have to get out or fold down and back up ramps, every time you use the Truck.

A good trailer rated to haul the Raptor will add 2,500 to 3,000 pounds to the towing weight, which is not a little amount.

Lastly, tow hooks? I go off road a lot and have never needed them, but maybe you just like the look of them.

However, get what you want, because then you will be happy. Don't get something because someone told you too, as you probably will regret it. I am only giving you my opinion based on my experience to help you make your decision. Either way, if you "make" the wrong decision, it will be easy to change.

 

[jzweedyk]

That Air Force One looks really nice. Pricey but probably worth it.

Yes, it is, but it is really nice. Very easy to hook up and disconnect. The important part for me is that it only works when the coach breaks are used. I use my engine brake most of the time, and it does not work them. Other braking systems use a pendulum which when you are going down a steep mountain grade and using your engine brake it would apply the towed vehicle brakes and wear them out and possibly overheat them. I do a lot of mountain towing.

If you are only doing flat land towing and only a couple of times a year, it is probably too expensive to justify.

 

[dmarkh]

Parking on the trailer is OK sometimes, but unless you have a tilting trailer, you have to get out or fold down and back up ramps, every time you use the Truck.

A good trailer rated to haul the Raptor will add 2,500 to 3,000 pounds to the towing weight, which is not a little amount.

Lastly, tow hooks? I go off road a lot and have never needed them, but maybe you just like the look of them.

However, get what you want, because then you will be happy. Don't get something because someone told you too, as you probably will regret it. I am only giving you my opinion based on my experience to help you make your decision. Either way, if you "make" the wrong decision, it will be easy to change.

You all have given me lots to think about. I am actually starting to think flat towing might just be the better way to go. Seems it will be much less hassle. Won't really have to plan EVERY stop to the tee. With the trailer option I was even _considering_ a trailer toad to keep the tongue weight off the coach. So if I went with flat towing, no need to buy a trailer or a trailer toad. No tongue weight flat towing. I was going to look for used stuff but there is 8k+ right there if I bought new. I could use that else where for sure. Hummmm...

 

[jzweedyk]

Be sure to buy a quality tow bar, 10,000 pounds is the best. I had a friend that had his tow bar fail towing an F150 and it went across the freeway but luckily it didn't hit anybody. Totaled the truck.

I use Roadmaster, but Blue Ox also makes a 10,000 pound one.

Also use a solid ball mount rated for 10,000 pounds.

 

[dmarkh]

Be sure to buy a quality tow bar, 10,000 pounds is the best. I had a friend that had his tow bar fail towing an F150 and it went across the freeway but luckily it didn't hit anybody. Totaled the truck.

I use Roadmaster, but Blue Ox also makes a 10,000 pound one.

Also use a solid ball mount rated for 10,000 pounds.

Odd, I can't seem to locate a Roadmaster or Blue Ox 10k lb tow bar for use with a ball mount. Only 5k. I would like to use one of those shocker air hitches from https://shockerhitch.com/ on the MH.

 

[dc1gator]

FWIW, most of the folks I know that used a tow trailer absolutely hated it. I flat towed a 2013 F-150 FX4 SCREW EcoBoost from SC to Idaho, to San Diego then back to SC. As I remember, the total distance was over 6,000 miles. I strongly recommend flat towing. While at it, let me advise you that traveling in an RV requires much planning ahead for both campsites and logistics. Walmart will become your friend. Most Walmarts also have a section devoted for RV supplies. If necessary, most of them will allow you to camp overnight in their parking lot. Use Gas Buddy. When you are filling a 90+ gallon tank $15 cents per gallon adds up. My experience with a diesel pusher is that traveling averages about $100.00 per day. You must be aware of tight spots. Some places will test every skill you have in maneuvering. By all means, remember that if you are flat towing, you CANNOT back up! The learning curve will test you. Google what equipment (tools) and other spare parts to carry. RVing is a blast. Wishing you the best. Oh, recommend Cummins.

 

[FFCJ]

Ok wow, lots of input here already but here goes:
I have not had the pleasure of traveling with my Raptor yet (thanks COVID) but I plan on flat towing it. I flat tow my JKR behind my 42' Pusher (Cummins) with 0 issues. I have used a tilt trailer to take my '17 Explorer Sport for additional seating to various locations with 0 issues finding a place at my campgrounds all across the country to store my trailer with no advance planning. I plan on using the trailer in the future for my JKR and my HD Streetglide and expect no issues finding a place at campgrounds to store it as there are many people at these locations that need to store trailers, toads, dollies, etc. Easier to flat tow? Sure, but I'm on vacation so what's another 10-15 minutes for having what I need?
Plus gives me another reason to crack open a cold one while setting up...

 

[jzweedyk]

Sorry, I didn't mean to say ball mount, what was I thinking? You don't want a ball mount, just one that goes in the receiver.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YJLU7G/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

This is the one I use. Again sorry for the confusion.

 

[FFCJ]

Yep, have that "all terrain" tow bar. Love it.....