Flat-Towing a Hybrid Maverick

[BradnChristine]

I'm curious as to how many people plan to Flat Tow their hybrid. I've seen it suggested that the number is "less than 5%", but I believe it is much greater.

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[Dad]

I'm curious as to how many people plan to Flat Tow their hybrid. I've seen it suggested that the number is "less than 5%", but I believe it is much greater.

I'm one who has their Maverick, and while I plan to flat tow it, I haven't yet. I didn't see a vote option for that.

 

[BradnChristine]

I'm one who has their Maverick, and while I plan to flat tow it, I haven't yet. I didn't see a vote option for that.

That is the second choice.... Same here, as my delivery date keeps moving, but it is due very shortly and is off the railcar in Denver.

 

[tjw887]

I'm one who has their Maverick, and while I plan to flat tow it, I haven't yet. I didn't see a vote option for that.

I voted yes waiting on my Maverick. actually waiting for better weather to use the RV

 

[Tiger Dude]

Don't expect people who won't flat tow to click in to this thread

 

[Xbbqpitmaster]

That is why we ordered the hybrid vs the EB. But, it doesn’t look good so far as to be getting it. In the meantime, we tow the Honda CR-V.

 

[Palms]

Due to possible warranty issues with the shutter removal with the Riadmaster tow plate, in spite of hating/fearing results of cutting fascia, decided to go with Blue Ox. Have their tow bar and Patriot Brake Sydtem. Now to only see mine come out of “in production“, since last Thursday to “built”, so I can start waiting for a ship date!

 

[JBryant]

I was all set when mine gets here at end of month until I got to reading and watching videos on installing both Blue Ox and Roadmaster. Both require modifications I am not willing to make. In addition the pricing is astronomical, especially when you add the Braking mechanism. If my figures are correct, it will be well over $5K installed. Just not worth it. I will continue to use a tow dolly with another vehicle.

 

[BradnChristine]

I was all set when mine gets here at end of month until I got to reading and watching videos on installing both Blue Ox and Roadmaster. Both require modifications I am not willing to make. In addition the pricing is astronomical, especially when you add the Braking mechanism. If my figures are correct, it will be well over $5K installed. Just not worth it. I will continue to use a tow dolly with another vehicle.

I bought a Brake Buddy around 2003 for around $1000. Current versions are $880-$1210. I have moved it and used it in every vehicle I've towed since: 1998 CR-V, 2003 S-10, 1997 Ranger, 2005 Acura MDX, 2001 Ranger, 2013 C-Max, 2015 Wrangler, 2017 C-Max and it will be ready to go into the Maverick. Buy it once and done...unlike all these new fancy supplementary braking systems that stay in the towed. The only extra piece needed for each vehicle is a Hopkins 20010 breakaway switch.

Baseplates are usually $400-$600, and wiring kits are les than $200, even at the extreme.

Etrailer always has videos for installation of lights and baseplates. I have used extra bulbs in some taillights, diodes in a couple, magnetic lights in one (the CR-V) and plan on using external LED light bars...maybe...in the Maverick.

$5000 must include one heck of a lot of labor, and even at 74, I'd rather have someone I trust (me) do the installation.

 

[BradnChristine]

Due to possible warranty issues with the shutter removal with the Riadmaster tow plate, in spite of hating/fearing results of cutting fascia, decided to go with Blue Ox. Have their tow bar and Patriot Brake Sydtem. Now to only see mine come out of “in production“, since last Thursday to “built”, so I can start waiting for a ship date!

I did do a bit of a butcher job on my 2001 Ranger's lower fascia when I installed its baseplates, so I am a bit hesitant about the Maverick...but at least you know it is "only" a $400-$420 part to replace if it gets fubared. I'm thinking I'll get some trim pieces for the opening, just in case. It would be nice to know if the Tremor/FX4 lower fascia would be a better plan. My truck left Mexico right at a month ago and is expected any day...once the snow stops.

 

[JBryant]

I bought a Brake Buddy around 2003 for around $1000. Current versions are $880-$1210. I have moved it and used it in every vehicle I've towed since: 1998 CR-V, 2003 S-10, 1997 Ranger, 2005 Acura MDX, 2001 Ranger, 2013 C-Max, 2015 Wrangler, 2017 C-Max and it will be ready to go into the Maverick. Buy it once and done...unlike all these new fancy supplementary braking systems that stay in the towed. The only extra piece needed for each vehicle is a Hopkins 20010 breakaway switch.

Baseplates are usually $400-$600, and wiring kits are les than $200, even at the extreme.

Etrailer always has videos for installation of lights and baseplates. I have used extra bulbs in some taillights, diodes in a couple, magnetic lights in one (the CR-V) and plan on using external LED light bars...maybe...in the Maverick.

$5000 must include one heck of a lot of labor, and even at 74, I'd rather have someone I trust (me) do the installation.

My problem is that I have just had 5 heart bypasses done and cannot do much physical labor at all. If I add the baseplate items, then the brake system, and then the towbar and items for the RV, I think my figures came to over $3,200. Having an RV dealer do it is going to cost an arm and a leg, and they are hesitant to do any vehicle that has to be modified, so I am in a dilemma.

 

[Palms]

I did do a bit of a butcher job on my 2001 Ranger's lower fascia when I installed its baseplates, so I am a bit hesitant about the Maverick...but at least you know it is "only" a $400-$420 part to replace if it gets fubared. I'm thinking I'll get some trim pieces for the opening, just in case. It would be nice to know if the Tremor/FX4 lower fascia would be a better plan. My truck left Mexico right at a month ago and is expected any day...once the snow stops.

Seen the hitch hole of the FX and even that one will require trimming. if it's a Fubar job, rather than replacing with the same lower fascia, I'd use the FX one as it looks aesthetically better to start the trimming from. Still, hoping my installer does a decent job. I did my last install 7 years ago on my Cherokee High Altitude and today, at 75, I think I'll pay a third party on this one.
Will take advantage of the grill off to install some Lasfit side markers (a pain to do the driver's side otherwise) and the stop/turn and reverse on the rears as they have to take those off for the diode kit install. I'll put in the ones for the front turn signals and the cargo area ones. Cheaper by 20% to buy the whole package than the individual bulbs.
Also, may put some auxiliary lights up front (love the old school 7" round Hellas 700FFs but understand LEDs lighter, less bulb replacement, etc. - just not as cool!) and take advantage of when it's off to make the holes, wire, etc. but that's low on the priority list. Don't forget to get a protected line charger for the battery.

 

[BradnChristine]

Seen the hitch hole of the FX and even that one will require trimming. if it's a Fubar job, rather than replacing with the same lower fascia, I'd use the FX one as it looks aesthetically better to start the trimming from. Still, hoping my installer does a decent job. I did my last install 7 years ago on my Cherokee High Altitude and today, at 75, I think I'll pay a third party on this one.
Will take advantage of the grill off to install some Lasfit side markers (a pain to do the driver's side otherwise) and the stop/turn and reverse on the rears as they have to take those off for the diode kit install. I'll put in the ones for the front turn signals and the cargo area ones. Cheaper by 20% to buy the whole package than the individual bulbs.
Also, may put some auxiliary lights up front (love the old school 7" round Hellas 700FFs but understand LEDs lighter, less bulb replacement, etc. - just not as cool!) and take advantage of when it's off to make the holes, wire, etc. but that's low on the priority list. Don't forget to get a protected line charger for the battery.

I am gonna try to find some U-channel to have on hand to go around the edges of the cutouts...and probably will spend way too long weighing exactly how to make it look pretty. I still have my Toad-Charge on my C-Max to move to the Maverick, and the cable brings a charge wire to the socket. Will be easy to move into the Maverick...but I am not 100% convinced I'll need it with the keyless ignition being off.

But since my Maverick is still sitting at the railyard in Denver, I haven't bought anything yet.

 

[BradnChristine]

My problem is that I have just had 5 heart bypasses done and cannot do much physical labor at all. If I add the baseplate items, then the brake system, and then the towbar and items for the RV, I think my figures came to over $3,200. Having an RV dealer do it is going to cost an arm and a leg, and they are hesitant to do any vehicle that has to be modified, so I am in a dilemma.

I know Roadmaster has a list of installers...I know a GREAT Roadmaster guy in Gresham, OR who also goes to Quartzsite, AZ in winters to do installs. https://toddsautorv.com/

Not sure about Blue Ox. But I think an "RV Dealer" would always be spendier...because they can.

 

[Palms]

Just found on my walk and took pics. Good guide. Just needs a little TLC to finish. Hope it helps.

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