Brake Buddy select 3 causing lock up on Mav Lariat Hybrid Toad

[Backdoctor]

I had a 2023 Nav Lariat hybrid and towed for 2 years with no issues from the brake buddy. But this summer I picked up a new 2025 and with the same settings (hybrid, proportional braking, 10 PSI, brakes bled) I’m getting 4 wheel lock up whenever the brake buddy activates. I’ve tried sensitivitpies of 2-6 and all that does is change the degree of hard braking reqired to trigger the brake buddy. The response is always the same. Lock up!

Anyone else had this issue? I’ve contacted HOPKINS to see if they had any experience with this issue. The support person was baffled and said she’d get back to me…crickets!

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[Dave O]

I don’t have the brake buddy but I was getting a brake lock up on my 2025 Maverick Lariat AWD Hybrid when engaging neutral tow mode - I found that if I engage neural tow prior to plugging in my power cord from my RV I didn’t have anymore issues - I hookup the Maverick to flat tow mechanically first then engage neutral tow then plug in the power cord - I just returned from a 2,200 mile trip flat towing with numerous connects and disconnects and had no issues this was a problem until I changed my procedure

Dave

 

[KenE]

I don’t have the brake buddy but I was getting a brake lock up on my 2025 Maverick Lariat AWD Hybrid when engaging neutral tow mode - I found that if I engage neural tow prior to plugging in my power cord from my RV I didn’t have anymore issues - I hookup the Maverick to flat tow mechanically first then engage neutral tow then plug in the power cord - I just returned from a 2,200 mile trip flat towing with numerous connects and disconnects and had no issues this was a problem until I changed my procedure

Dave

I flat tow 2025 Mav Hybrid AWD and have also been flat towing with previous Ford vehicles for many years, all with a RVI brake3 (yes, not the Brake Buddy). I'm only posting to mention I Always put Mav and previous vehicles into Tow mode prior to connecting 7-pin to 6-pin cord, and never a problem with lockup. Not sure if the sequence is the trick, but will continue this sequence. Maverick is a great flat tow choice.

 

[Backdoctor]

I don’t use an umbilical connection running from the coach to the toad. I have a set of wireless turn signals as I don’t like cutting into the wiring if possible, and I connect a 100 AH lithium battery to my toad battery to maintain its charge while towing. It has worked flawlessly in the 2023 model. So I don’t believe that the order of connection of the umbilical and setting tow mode is related to brake lock up.

 

[KenE]

I don’t use an umbilical connection running from the coach to the toad. I have a set of wireless turn signals as I don’t like cutting into the wiring if possible, and I connect a 100 AH lithium battery to my toad battery to maintain its charge while towing. It has worked flawlessly in the 2023 model. So I don’t believe that the order of connection of the umbilical and setting tow mode is related to brake lock up.

I agree sequence is probably not important. But keeping toad 12v battery charged is all important to maintain Tow mode.

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