Flat-towing a 2025 or 2026 Hybrid behind an RV

[RV Wino]

This question is specific to 2025-2026 model years. For those of you flat-towing your Hybrid, how many have NOT waited 15 minutes after shifting out of “neutral tow” before starting your engine. I ask because that seems unworkable in campgrounds where you disconnect near the RV park entrance and away from your site. I searched and saw one person said that they’ve done it from time-to-time, but I’m hoping I hear more voices.

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[Dave O]

I’ve flat towed my 2025 Maverick Lariat AWD Hybrid over 6,000 miles I rarely wait the fifteen minutes - my normal routine if I have to disconnect it I do it by the office when I check in then immediately drive it to my site then lock it up and rarely do I move it again until my campsite set up is completed so that would well exceed the fifteen minutes. If I have a pull through site I disconnect and I don’t move it again until my campsite setup is completed so yes I probably wait most of the time but it’s not a priority- I’ve haven’t experienced any issues…

 

[Terry T.]

Having a road master baseplate installed next week on 2025 maverick hybrid. I am a little confused about correct procedure after arriving campground. With the 15 minute process, I presume you put vehicle back in park, turn off accessory mode and just wait 15 minutes. Obviously you have to exit the vehicle and then unhook. Confirm?

 

[RV Wino]

Having a road master baseplate installed next week on 2025 maverick hybrid. I am a little confused about correct procedure after arriving campground. With the 15 minute process, I presume you put vehicle back in park, turn off accessory mode and just wait 15 minutes. Obviously you have to exit the vehicle and then unhook. Confirm?

This is from page 330-331 in the owners manual
Switching Neutral Tow Off
Note: Make sure to safely secure your vehicle to the towing vehicle before proceeding.
1. Switch your vehicle on in accessory mode.
2. Fully press the brake pedal.
3. Shift into park (P).
4. Fully release the brake pedal.
5. Switch the ignition off.
6. Before starting the engine, wait 15 minutes with all doors closed and without interacting with the vehicle.

 

[Dave O]

Good choice on installing the RoadMaster Baseplate Terry mine has performed flawlessly

In order of how I do it I usually completely disconnect the Maverick from my Motorcoach then unlock the Maverick and disengage the neutral tow at that point like I said I drive it the campsite and park it and lock it up if it’s a pull through site I disconnect the Maverick then disengage the neutral tow and lock it up I don’t set a timer to ensure I meet the 15 minute recommendation because I know it will be longer than that before I need to use the Maverick being setting up the campsite required more time than that

 

[grumpytoo]

I think Ford's tow instructions are poor. The stop every six hours or less to charge your battery. If charging the battery is the only reason, it shouldn't be necessary if you have a battery charge line between the truck and the RV. I do, and the battery stays charged, which should be addressed in the instructions. Ford should address this.
The 15-minute wait exiting the tow haul mode should also be better addressed. Why can't you open the door? I assume you are probably waiting for some computer stuff to happen, and opening the door will stop the computer from completing its job.
I use an RVI Brake, so while the wife registers, I open the truck's driver's window, close the door, and then close the door. Now I can reach in through the window and exit the tow haul mode. Using the RVI brake, I'm able to manually activate the brake so I can exit the tow haul mode. While I'm waiting for the 15 minutes, I disconnect the truck from the RV. By the time the wife returns, it's usually been 15 minutes. If not, my wife will wait a couple minute while I proceed to the lot.

 

[Dave O]

I think Ford's tow instructions are poor. The stop every six hours or less to charge your battery. If charging the battery is the only reason, it shouldn't be necessary if you have a battery charge line between the truck and the RV. I do, and the battery stays charged, which should be addressed in the instructions. Ford should address this.
The 15-minute wait exiting the tow haul mode should also be better addressed. Why can't you open the door? I assume you are probably waiting for some computer stuff to happen, and opening the door will stop the computer from completing its job.
I use an RVI Brake, so while the wife registers, I open the truck's driver's window, close the door, and then close the door. Now I can reach in through the window and exit the tow haul mode. Using the RVI brake, I'm able to manually activate the brake so I can exit the tow haul mode. While I'm waiting for the 15 minutes, I disconnect the truck from the RV. By the time the wife returns, it's usually been 15 minutes. If not, my wife will wait a couple minute while I proceed to the lot.

Tow or Flat Tow Instructions? I am not familiar with any of the tow instructions since I don’t plan to tow a trailer I basically purchased my Maverick to flat tow behind my RV…

 

[RV Wino]

Tow or Flat Tow Instructions? I am not familiar with any of the tow instructions since I don’t plan to tow a trailer I basically purchased my Maverick to flat tow behind my RV…

We’re talking flat-towing behind an RV, specifically with a 2025 or 2026 Maverick (because earlier models didn’t require the 15 minute wait).

 

[Dave O]

We’re talking flat-towing behind an RV, specifically with a 2025 or 2026 Maverick (because earlier models didn’t require the 15 minute wait).

Oh okay - I’ve flat towed my 2025 Maverick Lariat AWD Hybrid over 6,000 miles since I took delivery in January 2025 and this has not been an issue the Maverick is probably one of the easiest vehicle I’ve flat towed and I have flat towed quite a few over the years

 

[RV Wino]

Oh okay - I’ve flat towed my 2025 Maverick Lariat AWD Hybrid over 6,000 miles since I took delivery in January 2025 and this has not been an issue the Maverick is probably one of the easiest vehicle I’ve flat towed and I have flat towed quite a few over the years

Dave, God to know. So how do you handle the required 15 minute “don’t touch” step when you arrive at a park and have to disconnect somewhere near the office?

 

[Dave O]

Dave, God to know. So how do how handle the required 15 minute “don’t touch” step when you arrive at a park and have to disconnect somewhere near the office?

If I disconnect at the checkin office I immediately drive it to my campsite after disengaging the neutral tow I don’t wait the 15 minutes then I park it lock it up and let it sit

If I have a pull through site I drag it to the campsite disconnect it from the RV and disengage the neutral tow at that point lock it up and let it sit while I set up camp

 

[grumpytoo]

Tow or Flat Tow Instructions? I am not familiar with any of the tow instructions since I don’t plan to tow a trailer I basically purchased my Maverick to flat tow behind my RV…

Tow or Flat Tow Instructions? I am not familiar with any of the tow instructions since I don’t plan to tow a trailer I basically purchased my Maverick to flat tow behind my RV…

Sorry I left the word flat out.

 

[bsenecal]

Oh okay - I’ve flat towed my 2025 Maverick Lariat AWD Hybrid over 6,000 miles since I took delivery in January 2025 and this has not been an issue the Maverick is probably one of the easiest vehicle I’ve flat towed and I have flat towed quite a few over the years

So do you ignore the 15 minute rule?
Brian

 

[Dave O]

So do you ignore the 15 minute rule?
Brian

Brian I don’t ignore it completely but like I’ve stated if I must disconnect the Maverick before I drive my RV to my campsite because I can’t flat tow it passed the office check-in I will disengage the neutral tow and drive it the short distance to my campsite then shut it off and let it sit then, I’ve never experienced any issues…

 

[bsenecal]

Brian I don’t ignore it completely but like I’ve stated if I must disconnect the Maverick before I drive my RV to my campsite because I can’t flat tow it passed the office check-in I will disengage the neutral tow and drive it the short distance to my campsite then shut it off and let it sit then, I’ve never experienced any issues…

Copy that Dave thanks for the info.
What flat tow equipment did you go with?
We currently have the RVI 3 braking system and are going to purchase a baseplate, tow bar and possibly a set of blue tooth magnetic lights instead of direct wire kit for two reasons, one if we change TOADS and two to not have to tie into the factory wiring.

Brian

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