Can a Ford Flex be towed?
A Ford Flex can be towed, but not with all four wheels on the ground behind another vehicle. For safe towing, use a flatbed trailer or hire a professional tow service. Four‑down towing is generally not approved for most Flex models with automatic transmissions and AWD.
What Ford says about towing the Flex
Ford’s owner manuals for the Ford Flex (produced 2009–2019) emphasize caution with towing behind another vehicle. For models equipped with automatic transmissions, four‑down (dinghy) towing is not approved in most configurations. The recommended method is to transport the vehicle on a flatbed or by professional tow service when moving it long distances or behind an RV. Always consult your exact model year’s towing guide to confirm the approved methods and any special setup required for your drivetrain.
Towing options for the Ford Flex
These are the common approaches used when moving a Flex behind an RV or tow vehicle. The suitability depends on the year and drivetrain, so verify with the manual for your specific vehicle.
- Flatbed trailer: The safest and most widely recommended option. The Flex sits on the trailer with all wheels off the road and is secured to the bed using appropriate straps or chains at manufacturer‑approved anchor points.
- Tow dolly (front wheels on the dolly): Sometimes used for front‑wheel‑drive vehicles, but AWD and many Flex configurations are not approved for four‑down towing. If your exact vehicle and manual allow it, follow Ford’s guidance precisely; otherwise, avoid this method.
- Professional towing service: When in doubt or when proper equipment isn’t available, a professional tow operator can move the Flex safely on a flatbed or other compliant trailer.
Conclusion of towing options: For most Ford Flex owners, the safest and most compliant route is a flatbed trailer or professional towing. Avoid four‑down towing behind an RV unless the owner’s manual for your exact year/config explicitly authorizes it.
Practical steps if you tow on a flatbed
If you choose a flatbed, follow these general steps to secure the vehicle properly and prevent damage during transit. Always adhere to the specific instructions in your owner's manual and with the tow equipment you use.
- Park the vehicle in a safe location and turn off the engine. Engage the transmission in Park (automatic) and set the parking brake only if recommended by the tow equipment guide.
- Chock all non‑towed wheels to prevent movement.
- Attach widely accepted tie‑downs or locking straps to the vehicle’s designated anchor points or to the frame, not to decorative parts or suspension components.
- Center the vehicle on the flatbed and secure it with the straps in multiple directions to minimize movement.
- Check that the steering wheel is straight and that no cables or hoses are under tension or in contact with moving components.
Concluding steps: After securing the Flex on a flatbed, double‑check all tie‑downs, ensure the trailer is roadworthy, and follow any additional guidance from the tow operator or the vehicle’s manual. Proper loading reduces the risk of damage and keeps your towing operation compliant with manufacturer guidance.
Model-year and drivetrain considerations
Ford Flex models produced from 2009 through 2019 share similar guidance about towing behind another vehicle. Most configurations with automatic transmission and all‑wheel drive (AWD) do not support four‑down towing. If you have a specific year, drivetrain (FWD vs AWD), or a special edition, always consult the exact owner’s manual or Ford’s official towing guide for that year, since recommendations can vary by model and what the manufacturer labels as approved towing methods.
Summary
In practice, you should plan to tow a Ford Flex on a flatbed or have it hauled by a professional tow service. Four‑down towing behind an RV is generally not approved for Flex models with automatic transmissions and AWD. Always check your exact model year’s manual for the approved towing method, and consider a flatbed as the safest, most reliable option.
For readers considering towing a Ford Flex, the key takeaway is to prioritize a flatbed transport and rely on official guidance specific to your year and drivetrain to avoid drivetrain damage and warranties concerns.
What Ford model can be flat towed?
Several Ford vehicles can be flat-towed, including certain models of the Bronco, Edge, Expedition, F-150, Ranger, Super Duty, and Maverick, but it is crucial to check the vehicle's owner's manual for specific requirements like 4WD, neutral tow settings, and manual transmissions. Key requirements often include putting the transfer case in neutral, leaving the transmission in park or neutral, and ensuring the vehicle has a specific drive configuration.
Flat-towable Ford vehicles
- Bronco: Most models can be flat-towed, but exclude the Bronco Sport. Some versions require the transfer case to be in neutral.
- Edge: The ST models can be flat-towed. Other AWD models can also be flat-towed.
- Expedition: Can be flat-towed in 4x4 low only.
- F-150: 4x4 models can be flat-towed, but they must be put into a "neutral tow" mode first.
- Ranger: 4x4 models from 2019-2022 can be flat-towed, sometimes requiring a neutral tow kit.
- Super Duty (F-250, F-350, F-550, F-600): These 4x4 models can be flat-towed with the transfer case in neutral.
- Maverick: Hybrid models can be flat-towed.
- Escape: Hybrid models can be flat-towed. Non-hybrid FWD models can be towed on a tow dolly, but not flat-towed.
- Focus: Manual transmission models before 2012 and all 2012-2018 models (excluding ST models) can be flat-towed.
- Fusion: Hybrid and 2.7L Ecoboost models can be flat-towed, as well as some manual transmission models.
- Flex: Can be flat-towed.
- Explorer: Models before 2018, and 3.5-L engine models between 2018 and 2019 can be flat-towed.
Important considerations
- Always check the manual: The specific requirements vary by model year and drive train.
- Neutral Tow Kits: Some 4WD vehicles require a dealer-installed neutral tow kit to disconnect the drivetrain for flat-towing.
- Drivetrain: FWD and RWD models generally cannot be flat-towed. Some can be towed using a tow dolly that lifts the front wheels.
- Transmission: Ensure the transmission is in the correct setting (often Park or Neutral), and be sure the vehicle is completely switched off or in accessory mode according to the manual.
How to turn on tow mode on a Ford?
Here the towhaul indicator will illuminate in the instrument cluster indicating the towhaul mode is now activated to deactivate simply press the button.
What is the most common problem with the Ford Flex?
Top Ford Flex Problems
- Broken Center Console Latch.
- Brake Noise – Front Grunting / Grinding.
- Transmission (Red) or Power Transfer Unit (PTU) (Brown) Fluid Leaks at Axle Area.
- A/C Fan Speed Changing Constantly.
- Ford Flex window and door trim detachment issue requiring multiple panel replacements.
Can you tow a Ford Flex?
Compatible Ford Models for Flat-Towing
Here are some Ford vehicles that can be safely flat-towed: Ford Flex.
