2025 Maverick Hitch Assist and Backup Assist Explained

[Hunters Edge]

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[MetalsGeek]

Just because you CAN do something doesn't mean you SHOULD do it.
The backup camera alone is perfectly adequate for this purpose. Adding a computer just makes it less reliable and more problematic. I noticed the driver in this demo had some uncertainties with the user interface that would not have existed if he just used the dotted center-line in the backup camera to align the trailer. The truck could not tell if the ball was below the hitch either. All in all, this feature seems a total waste to me. The committee who decided to fund this R&D effort needs to spend more time in the real world to recognize those features that real owners would like to see.

 

[Edge Haley]

I've mastered backing up on top of the hitch ball with the backup camera on my stock 2022 Maverick XLT. Amazingly easy to do, and near exact location every time....as you get closer to the trailer hitch the rear camera zooms in for a close-up view of the hitch ball. It is easy to get within an inch of the hitch ball with the stock rear camera view.

BUT A WORD of CAUTION - be careful when lowering the tailgate...If you have a trailer jack like the one in the photo it is easy to lower the tailgate on to the top of the trailer jack and dent the tailgate....I almost did it before catching myself. And don't lay anything down on your rear bumper and "then" open the tailgate all the way....more than one person on this site found an impression of a screwdriver or wrench when they fully opened their tailgate which, when fully opened, will be with in 1/2 an inch of the rear bumper...and leave a dent in the tailgate.

 

[Maverick123]

I don't need this, but I delayed my order to be sure mine would be Job 2 and have it

If it lets my SO or kids hitch up a trailer without me being around that's great. Maybe they'll feel empowered and eventually learn how to do it without assistance

My GF & kids learned to drive automatic before learning to drive stick. Less stuff to take in at once, makes it a lot easier to learn! Baby steps ...

 

[710-oil-614]

Honestly - backing up with precision is a total bitch in the AWD hybrid (and probably FWD hybrid). If you're trying to feather it back to hitch up a trailer you're probably going to smack the shit out of it (without the pro trailer assist).....

AND its a stupid plastic bumper cover that can't take a trailer slap like a full size steel bumper.

FWIW, I back my Maverick into a 20x20 garage with a 2018 odyssey next to it and all my kids stuff as well - I haven't hit anything yet but I've had some real ass puckering moments because the electric motor in reverse lacks precision.

It was easier for me to park my 22' Basesquatch bronco which was a full foot wider with no 360 cameras into the garage than my Maverick.

I kinda miss the Pro Trailering features because I know it's only a matter of time till I punch a hole in my bumper cover.

 

[Hunters Edge]

Okay just to be transparent I didn't post to approve, disapprove and definitely not to knock it or someone wanting or buying it.

I posted to help explain it and to help assist setting it up and using it, for those who purchased a Maverick with it.

My personal opinion is anything that can help others to enjoy or make it safer is always a plus. Unfortunately being social media there are always naysayers. That's okay but I didn't post for a debate but to be helpful.

 

[710-oil-614]

Okay just to be transparent I didn't post to approve, disapprove and definitely not to knock it or someone wanting or buying it.

I posted to help explain it and to help assist setting it up and using it, for those who purchased a Maverick with it.

My personal opinion is anything that can help others to enjoy or make it safer is always a plus. Unfortunately being social media there are always naysayers. That's okay but I didn't post for a debate but to be helpful.

I honestly didn't know enough about the features - I don't love the need to place stickers on the trailer but there are some easy workarounds with magnets. It makes sense.

I have been hitching trailers for decades and I have never met a more temperamental "reverse" gear than the hybrid drivetrain.

 

[Maverick123]

I have been hitching trailers for decades and I have never met a more temperamental "reverse" gear than the hybrid drivetrain.

Oh! I test-drove a '25 hybrid AWD XLT for 3 days before ordering mine, I didn't notice anything strange about the way it backs up.

Maybe I'll notice when I get mine and try to hitch a trailer, that's a lot more sensitive operation than just backing out of the garage

 

[710-oil-614]

Oh! I test-drove a '25 hybrid AWD XLT for 3 days before ordering mine, I didn't notice anything strange about the way it backs up.

Maybe I'll notice when I get mine and try to hitch a trailer, that's a lot more sensitive operation than just backing out of the garage

My driveway is short and barely sloped (away from the garage)...where in my bronco (or even tesla, CRV, forester, outback...) I would need a little throttle blip to clear the garage threshold the Maverick rolls back with reckless abandon where I am actually trying to feather the brake!

Maybe it's me. Maybe it is something I just need to adjust to. I don't love it.

But I'm not bitching. 2025 Mav AWD Hybrid Lariat still a solid 8.5/10.

 

[Hanzzolo]

This feature is a total marriage saver backing the boat down the launch. Nice when you have to get a trailer in tight spaces too.

 

[Maverick123]

This feature is a total marriage saver backing the boat down the launch. Nice when you have to get a trailer in tight spaces too.

Truth! I hadn't even thought of that

 

[Darklyter]

Interesting..
Now- can I fit that newer, wider screen on my '22 XL??????

 

[Oscarcat]

I just want to add, for those of us who have Mavs without the assist, there is a redneck hack which uses the tailgate camera and displays on the screen when you are in reverse.

Simply open the tailgate, take one of the cables and wrap it around the upper black latch post. The camera will aim at the hitch.

To state the obvious, this won't work if you have a tall jack post on the tongue of your trailer.

 

[Hunters Edge]

I just want to add, for those of us who have Mavs without the assist, there is a redneck hack which uses the tailgate camera and displays on the screen when you are in reverse.

Simply open the tailgate, take one of the cables and wrap it around the upper black latch post. The camera will aim at the hitch.

To state the obvious, this won't work if you have a tall jack post on the tongue of your trailer.

I definitely would not advise this for two reasons. One like you slightly suggested is destroying the tailgate or it's trim by striking the tailgate jack. The second reason is I've never had a need with using the backup camera on the Maverick with its zoom in function.

It still does not refine the procedure as trailer hitch assist with not touching the steering wheel and it stopping automatically by ITSELF when the ball is EXACTLY underneath the tongue of the trailer.

I do understand the hack you are describing a few u-tube videos on it. I think mainly trucks that either don't have the zoom function or the backup camera is not at the correct height to assist satisfactory.

My biggest issue being on a farm and uneven ground is after alignment. When I shift to park it will roll one way or another. So after it happened once, maybe twice I utilize the parking brake before putting it or dialing it into Park. This will maintain the alignment that the backup camera assisted.

 

[North Coast Joe]

Okay just to be transparent I didn't post to approve, disapprove and definitely not to knock it or someone wanting or buying it.

I posted to help explain it and to help assist setting it up and using it, for those who purchased a Maverick with it.

My personal opinion is anything that can help others to enjoy or make it safer is always a plus. Unfortunately being social media there are always naysayers. That's okay but I didn't post for a debate but to be helpful.

...and the same ol' trolls are always here! Though some of our regulars mean to be helpful!

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