Tow dolly vs flat towing. Pluses or negative

[TopDawg]

'22 2.0 EB here. Only option is dolly. I'm 76 y.o and have dolly towed my EB over 30k miles in past 3 years. No issues, no wear on components except rear tires. Can hookup and unhook in about 5 minutes. Never had issues with space for dolly at RV sites. Try to get pull thru sites when available. My class C is 32'. Back into site, drop the dolly, then backup over the tounge. Plenty of room.

Sponsored

 

[oldgreybull]

Seems like the tow dolly has less wear on your tires.

Or half of them

 

[oysterville]

Or half of them

Pretty sure it helps the whole tire.

 

[TopDawg]

Pretty sure it helps the whole tire.

Or 1/4 ofthe tire if you forget to release the electronic parking brake. I wouldn't know about that

 

[DSLOVSCS]

Debating which way to tow my Maverick behind motor home. Advantages or disadvantages to using tow dolly vs flat towing?

I have a 35 foot Newmar RV and I "Flat Tow". I have towed many things and all sizes.
There are really 3 things I would recommend thinking about, when you make this decision.
1. If you choose to use a trailer, you now have 3 vehicles at your campsite. That only works in very few places and always cost extra.
2. Let your RV dealer install your towing equipment. This is not something to mess with.
3. If you choose to tow your Maverick, like I do, The "Ford Owners Manual" can be tricky to understand. I am adding an attachment that you can add to your phone so you always have it with you.
Good luck, and remember to "Keep the Fun in the Fundamentals"

 

[SP1966]

Seems like the tow dolly has less wear on your tires.

Two of them.

 

[Dave O]

I have a 35 foot Newmar RV and I "Flat Tow". I have towed many things and all sizes.
There are really 3 things I would recommend thinking about, when you make this decision.
1. If you choose to use a trailer, you now have 3 vehicles at your campsite. That only works in very few places and always cost extra.
2. Let your RV dealer install your towing equipment. This is not something to mess with.
3. If you choose to tow your Maverick, like I do, The "Ford Owners Manual" can be tricky to understand. I am adding an attachment that you can add to your phone so you always have it with you.
Good luck, and remember to "Keep the Fun in the Fundamentals"

Great explanation thank you - so once you are ready to flat tow the Maverick per the instructions can you lock the Maverick and take the keys with you?

when you arrive do you have to let the Maverick sit for 15 minutes without any interaction or can you immediately drive it after disconnecting from the RV?

thank you
Dave O

 

[DSLOVSCS]

Great explanation thank you - so once you are ready to flat tow the Maverick per the instructions can you lock the Maverick and take the keys with you?

when you arrive do you have to let the Maverick sit for 15 minutes without any interaction or can you immediately drive it after disconnecting from the RV?

thank you
Dave O

I'm pretty sure that you can lock the door while towing, but I never do. If that's important, I would call the dealership and have them research it.
When arriving at your destination, you can disconnect your Maverick and drive it immediately.
2 additional pieces of information:
In the towing mode, your transmission is disengaged, so your odometer will NOT change at all.
Also, it is recommended (see owners manual) that, if you are towing a great distance, you should start the car and let it run every 5 hours to circulate the transmission oil.
Happy travels
Cindy and I are "On Our Way To Everywhere"

 

[PhillyGuy]

Can the 25 AWD hybrid be dolly towed?

 

[Dave O]

Can the 25 AWD hybrid be dolly towed?

No it can only be flat towed 4 wheels down or trailered no tow dolly like the front wheel drive only can be

 

[PhillyGuy]

No it can only be flat towed 4 wheels down or trailered no tow dolly like the front wheel drive only can be

Thanks Dave - VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW…That’s what I thought.

Makes this question moot for AWD… I had considered a dolly for my 25’Lariat hybrid w AWD since there was no baseplate available yet, but I thought I read that it’s not allowed.
Best,
Harry

 

[Dave O]

Thanks Dave - VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW…That’s what I thought.

Makes this question moot for AWD… I had considered a dolly for my 25’Lariat hybrid w AWD since there was no baseplate available yet, but I thought I read that it’s not allowed.
Best,
Harry

Harry - I have been talking with Demco and RoadMaster since before I took delivery and decided to purchase the RoadMaster baseplate and a new RoadMaster Nighthawk Tow Bar as well as the lighting kit and charge wire I ordered this last Tuesday it will all ship on 3/21/2025

RoadMaster sent me all the instructions and photos prior to placing my order

I was looking to go with Demco but they are still waiting on a donorer truck to complete their engineering as of last week

 

[Lil mav]

I have a 24 Maverick Hybrid that I flat tow behind our motorcouch. I would flat tow every time here out just in pre and set up 10 min, tow dolly 1 hour. Stop every 150 miles to check straps, and check the tires on the dolly. Flat tow hands down, 10 minutes and you are ready. The only disadvantage is within the 6 hours of flat towing you have to do a few steps before continuing with towing.

 

[KathyG]

Great explanation thank you - so once you are ready to flat tow the Maverick per the instructions can you lock the Maverick and take the keys with you?

when you arrive do you have to let the Maverick sit for 15 minutes without any interaction or can you immediately drive it after disconnecting from the RV?

thank you
Dave O

I lock mine with extra key and leave key in ignition as require
d (2023 XLT). Then take extra key with me while flat towing. Takes very short time to unhitch, start up and put in gear - ready to roll in 5 minutes or so if I hurry

 

[Dave O]

I lock mine with extra key and leave key in ignition as require
d (2023 XLT). Then take extra key with me while flat towing. Takes very short time to unhitch, start up and put in gear - ready to roll in 5 minutes or so if I hurry

I do that in my 2004 Jeep Wrangler TJ but got a push button start in my Maverick

Sponsored