Can the new 2025 Hybrid AWD be flat towed?

[theflynlion]

Has there been an explanation yet for the 15 minute rule…

“6. Before starting the engine, wait 15 minutes with all doors closed and without interacting with the vehicle.“

So does this mean I have to sit in the truck for 15 minutes without interacting, i.e. opening the doors?

I guess my only other option would be to already have the window rolled down and just climb out of the truck through there, lol.

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[Seand1109]

Now that is a great question... I will be watching this

 

[Dave O]

I just returned from a four hundred mile round trip outing flat towing my 2025 Maverick Lariat AWD Hybrid so 200 hundred miles each way I am NOT suggesting going against the recommendation of waiting 15 minutes but I didn’t wait - i unhooked from the RV and immediately moved my Maverick out of the way I drove it few hundred yards each time to get it out of the way, once to my campsite and the other to my driveway at home after exiting “neutral tow” then parked it for an extended period of time before driving it again I had no negative impact, no warning lights etc.my logic was not to immediately get on the highway and resume normal operation but to simply move it a few hundred yards then parking it made sense to me…

 

[Jhsgls]

Has there been an explanation yet for the 15 minute rule…

“6. Before starting the engine, wait 15 minutes with all doors closed and without interacting with the vehicle.“

So does this mean I have to sit in the truck for 15 minutes without interacting, i.e. opening the doors?

I guess my only other option would be to already have the window rolled down and just climb out of the truck through there, lol.

We have the same question. Also, when starting it at the recommended 4-6 hour point to let it run a few minutes, do we also have to wait 15 minutes before letting it run? 25 XLT FWD Hybrid

 

[Dave O]

I doubt the mystery will ever be completed resolved - I will continue to rely on my experience I doubt this truck will self-destruct over a few minutes either way

 

[theflynlion]

It’s my understanding that the 15 minute wait time is for when you’re done towing and you’re taking it out of Neutral Tow to go back to regular driving.

According to the note I found that I highlighted in the included attachment, it says after every six hour (or less) driving period, shift into Drive and then back into Neutral. Then just leave the vehicle on for three minutes after going back to Neutral Tow. After that, turn the vehicle off and then you’re ready to tow again.

The 30 minute period to charge the battery won’t apply to me since I had a trickle charger permanently installed under the hood. It gets its power from the seven pin connector that comes from the RV.

Clear as mud right!?! I wish they’d make a simple step by step checklist to simplify things.

 

[Dave O]

It’s my understanding that the 15 minute wait time is for when you’re done towing and you’re taking it out of Neutral Tow to go back to regular driving.

According to the note I found that I highlighted in the included attachment, it says after every six hour (or less) driving period, shift into Drive and then back into Neutral. Then just leave the vehicle on for three minutes after going back to Neutral Tow. After that, turn the vehicle off and then you’re ready to tow again.

The 30 minute period to charge the battery won’t apply to me since I had a trickle charger permanently installed under the hood. It gets its power from the seven pin connector that comes from the RV.

Clear as mud right!?! I wish they’d make a simple step by step checklist to simplify things.

I agree Wayne just to correct prior post it’s after 6 hours of flat towing not 4-6 hours i personally try and keep my daily driving under 4 hours in my MotorCoach whether or not I’m flat towing anything

 

[theflynlion]

So there you go Dave, you’re making it easy for yourself…since you’re driving under six hours a day, you can just disregard that whole note entirely!

 

[theflynlion]

I just returned from a four hundred mile round trip outing flat towing my 2025 Maverick Lariat AWD Hybrid so 200 hundred miles each way I am NOT suggesting going against the recommendation of waiting 15 minutes but I didn’t wait - i unhooked from the RV and immediately moved my Maverick out of the way I drove it few hundred yards each time to get it out of the way, once to my campsite and the other to my driveway at home after exiting “neutral tow” then parked it for an extended period of time before driving it again I had no negative impact, no warning lights etc.my logic was not to immediately get on the highway and resume normal operation but to simply move it a few hundred yards then parking it made sense to me…

I really like your Checklist Dave. But I’m not understanding Step 1.

I’m not sure what ICE is, and my engine never starts when I turn the key…it always goes to battery power and says READY. And by fully pressing the throttle, I’m assuming you’re referring to the gas pedal (but we all know assuming isn’t good either, lol).

Also, I just bought the base model XL to use as my toad a week ago today, so I’m still figuring things out. I’ve never owned a hybrid before or an EV either, but I DID sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night, lol. Oh, and two of my daughters own Teslas, so that should count as something too!

 

[theflynlion]

I really like your Checklist Dave. But I’m not understanding Step 1.

I’m not sure what ICE is, and my engine never starts when I turn the key…it always goes to battery power and says READY. And by fully pressing the throttle, I’m assuming you’re referring to the gas pedal (but we all know assuming isn’t good either, lol).

Also, I just bought the base model XL to use as my toad a week ago today, so I’m still figuring things out. I’ve never owned a hybrid before or an EV either, but I DID sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night, lol. Oh, and two of my daughters own Teslas, so that should count as something too!

Oh, and I forgot to mention that I have an actual key (XL), not the push button start that I’ve become accustomed to in my other cars. It sucks that when I go into Neutral Tow, the key won’t come out of the ignition. I guess there’s no getting around that, except to make sure I always have my extra key fob with me just in case somehow I get locked out.

 

[Dave O]

Oh, and I forgot to mention that I have an actual key (XL), not the push button start that I’ve become accustomed to in my other cars. It sucks that when I go into Neutral Tow, the key won’t come out of the ignition. I guess there’s no getting around that, except to make sure I always have my extra key fob with me just in case somehow I get locked out.

Yes ICE (Internal Combustible Engine) no need to press the pedal to the floor just make sure the engine starts - when enabling neutral tow make sure the ICE isn’t running and you have the key in accessory mode I don’t know about a key having the ability to be removed I know in my other tow vehicle the key remains in the ignition to ensure the steering doesn’t lock

 

[theflynlion]

Yes ICE (Internal Combustible Engine) no need to press the pedal to the floor just make sure the engine starts - when enabling neutral tow make sure the ICE isn’t running and you have the key in accessory mode I don’t know about a key having the ability to be removed I know in my other tow vehicle the key remains in the ignition to ensure the steering doesn’t lock

Thanks for the explanation on ICE. Also, I know everything has to be off when flat towing in Neutral Tow, but I didn’t know the ICE has to be started initially while going to D, then R, and then finally to N, as you pointed out in the first few steps of your checklist. Good to know!

 

[TomStJohn]

I just returned from a 350 mile trip towing my 2025 Maverick Lariat Hybrid. No muss , no fuss.

 

[Dave O]

I just returned from a 350 mile trip towing my 2025 Maverick Lariat Hybrid. No muss , no fuss.

 

[N44]

Today I'm having the install for my Demco base plate (and stay and play) completed. Took DDK's experience and recommendation, and I'm having it installed at Bruce's repair in Matlock, IA. The guy knows his stuff.

Does anyone have an update on the reason why Ford says to wait 15 minutes when switching neutral tow off?

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