How We Flat Tow Our F-250 Behind Our Motorhome (And Why This Setup Works)

The complete guide to our Blue Ox Apollo tow bar, baseplates, and Demco Air Force One braking system

If you've ever wondered whether you can flat tow a full-size truck behind your motorhome, the answer is yes — and we're going to walk you through exactly how we do it with our Ford F-250. From the tow bar to the braking system, this setup is safe, reliable, and surprisingly simple to hook up in just a few minutes.

Here's everything you need to know about our flat tow system. How We Flat Tow Our F-250 Behind Our Motorhome The Backbone: Blue Ox Apollo Tow Bar (BX7470)

The centerpiece of our flat tow setup is the Blue Ox Apollo Tow Bar (BX7470) — a Class V, all-steel tow

Blue Ox Apollo Tow Bar

bar rated for vehicles up to 15,000 lbs. Our F-250 is no problem for this bar.

Specs at a glance:

• Fits a 2.5" standard receiver

• 15,000 lb towing rating

• 49 lbs product weight

• Full steel construction

• 3-year warranty

• Retail price: $1,509.00

This isn't a lightweight recreational tow bar. The Apollo is built for heavy-duty applications, which is exactly what you need when you're pulling a diesel truck down the highway. The all-steel construction gives us confidence that the connection between our coach and the F-250 is solid, mile after mile.

The Foundation: Blue Ox F-250 Baseplates (BX2696)

A tow bar is only as good as what it connects to. That's where the Blue Ox BX2696 Baseplate comes in.

Blue Ox Baseplates - Vehicle Specific

These are vehicle-specific brackets designed specifically for the 2020–2024 Ford F-250 (including Super Duty, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Turbo models).

Specs at a glance:

• Part Number: BX2696

• Fits: 2020–2024 Ford F-250 / F-350

• Weight: 35 lbs

• Tab Height: 19"

• Tab Width: 35-5/8"

• Retail price: $639.00

The baseplates mount directly to the front of the truck and serve as the permanent, dedicated connection point for the tow bar. Because they're vehicle-specific, the fit is precise and the connection is rock solid — no improvising, no adapters, no guesswork.

Blue Ox also offers compatible wiring kit options for the F-250:

• BX8869 Bulb and Socket Tail Light Wiring Kit

• BX88405 EZ Light Wiring Harness (2021–2022 F-250/F-350 with Tow Package)

These wiring kits keep the brake lights and turn signals on the F-250 fully operational while towing — which is both a legal requirement and a critical safety feature on the road.

The Safety System: Demco Air Force One Braking System

Here's where the setup goes from good to exceptional. Most states require a supplemental braking system on any towed vehicle, and we run the Demco Air Force One (AFO) — and honestly, it's in a class of its own.

What Makes the AFO Different?

The Air Force One is the only supplemental braking system that includes all the components necessary to meet Total Coach Protection safety regulations. Here's what sets it apart from every other system on the market:

100% Direct Proportional Braking The AFO uses a pilot signal from the coach's air brake system to deliver fully proportional braking in the towed vehicle. When you apply the brakes on the motorhome, the F-250's brakes apply simultaneously and proportionally — not on a delay, not based on inertia. The result is smoother stops and safer towing, every single time.

No Moving Parts Unlike inertia-based systems with pulleys, catches, and springs, the AFO operating unit has zero moving parts. That means less wear, less maintenance, and a system that will stand the test of time.

Total Coach Protection This is an exclusive AFO feature and one of the most important safety elements of the entire system. If the towed vehicle separates from the coach, the AFO seals the coach's air supply — protecting the motorhome's ability to stop normally. At the same time, the breakaway system activates the F-250's brakes automatically. No other air-operated supplemental brake system offers this level of protection.

Fits Every Towed Vehicle From a Smart car to a diesel pickup to a Hummer H2 — the AFO fits all makes and models. When you upgrade your towed vehicle, the system transfers over without purchasing new parts. Only a low-cost reinstallation kit is needed.

Completely Invisible Once Installed The AFO Operating Unit mounts under the hood of the towed vehicle, completely out of sight. The compact brake actuator mounts on the brake arm and secures to the firewall with just one self-drilling screw. Once it's in, there's no setup required before towing — it's always ready.

AFO System Components:

1. Operating Unit — Mounts under the hood; houses the vacuum generator and reserve air supply for the breakaway circuit

2. Actuator — Mounts on the brake arm; compact, patented design with no pulleys or binding

3. Coach Air Assembly — Pre-assembled and pre-tested; approximately 12" x 10" x 6"; mounts to the coach with two 3/8" bolts

Available AFO Configurations:

Model	Part #
Air Force One Braking System	9599007
Air Force One with Wireless Coachlink	9599019
Freightliner Custom Chassis Specific Kit	9599020
Tiffin Towed Vehicle Kit	9599021
Second Car Kit	6271
Reinstall Kit	6217

The Hookup Process: Step by Step

One of the best things about this system is how fast and simple the hookup is. Here's our exact process:

Step 1 — Connect the Tow Bar: Chad connects the Blue Ox Apollo tow bar to the BX2696 baseplates on the front of the F-250. The vehicle-specific baseplates make this a clean, secure connection every time.

Step 2 — Connect Safety and Wiring Cables: The safety cables and wiring harness are connected next. This keeps the F-250's brake lights and turn signals synced with the coach while rolling down the road.

Step 3 — Connect the Air Hose: The air hose from the coach connects to the Demco Air Force One system. This is what allows the AFO to use the coach's air supply to proportionally apply the F-250's brakes.

Step 4 — Lock the Tow Bar: Chad hops in the truck and reverses slightly to lock the tow bar arms into position.

Step 5 — Engage Neutral Tow Mode: Put the F-250 in neutral and follow the on-screen instructions to engage neutral tow mode.

That's it.

Total time: just a few minutes.

Why This Setup Makes Sense

Flat towing the F-250 means we arrive at our destination with a full-size truck ready to go — without putting a single extra mile on it during the drive. No trailer, no extra registration, no backing up a trailer in a campground.

The Blue Ox Apollo + BX2696 Baseplates + Demco Air Force One combination gives us:

• A heavy-duty, rated connection between coach and truck

• Fully proportional, air-powered supplemental braking

• Total coach air protection in the event of a separation

• A fast, repeatable hookup process

• Peace of mind on every mile of highway

If you're running a motorhome and want to bring a capable vehicle along for the ride, this is the system we trust. It's built right, it's safe, and it works.

Key Considerations for Flat Towing a Ford F-250

Flat towing a Ford F-250 can be a great option for RV travelers, but the setup depends heavily on whether your truck is 4x4 or 4x2. Before hitting the road, here are the most important factors to understand:

4x4 Models (Preferred for Flat Towing)

Most 4x4 Ford F-250 models are designed to be flat towed more easily. Typically, this involves:

• Placing the transfer case in Neutral

• Leaving the transmission in Park (automatic) or in gear (manual)

However, requirements can vary by model year. Some configurations may still require disconnecting the driveshaft to prevent transfer case damage or binding. Always double-check your specific setup.

4x2 Models (Two-Wheel Drive)

Flat towing a 4x2 F-250 is more complex. Because the transmission is not lubricated when the engine is off:

• The rear driveshaft must be disconnected at the differential

Failing to do this can result in serious transmission damage, making this step non-negotiable for safe towing.

Alternatives to Driveshaft Removal

If disconnecting the driveshaft every time sounds like a hassle, there is a more convenient option:

• Install a driveshaft disconnect or coupler kit

These systems allow you to engage or disengage the driveshaft from inside the cab, making the process much faster and more RV-friendly.

Safety Requirements for Flat Towing

No matter which model you have, proper setup is critical:

• Ensure the steering wheel is unlocked

• Release the parking brake

• Use a properly rated tow bar and baseplate system

• Confirm all connections are secure before traveling

Always Verify Your Specific Model

Flat towing procedures can vary significantly by year and configuration. Before towing:👉 Refer to your official Ford owner’s manual for exact instructions and requirements for your truck.

Have questions about our flat tow setup? Drop them in the comments below. And follow along for more RV tips, gear reviews, and life on the road. OH! And I almost forgot! If you want to purchase one of your own, use our code: WLWU to save a bit at BlueOx.com