Flat-Towing a Hybrid Maverick

[BradnChristine]

Thanks! There is a much shorter version of the breakaway switch. I started to put this long one on my C-Max and then found the shorter version. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049MKPSW
It really doesn't seem like it would be that hard to do a more careful job on that trim, then use some 1/4" U-channel to make it look a lot nicer.

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[Dad]

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.

Funny you should mention the Honda CR-V. That was one of my considerations until I realized 1) only up to the year 2016 (not 100% positive on the year) could be flat-towed and (2) the Maverick gave me the option of flat-towing a pick-up truck.

 

[Palms]

Thanks! There is a much shorter version of the breakaway switch. I started to put this long one on my C-Max and then found the shorter version. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049MKPSW
It really doesn't seem like it would be that hard to do a more careful job on that trim, then use some 1/4" U-channel to make it look a lot nicer.

Thanks for the tip. I’ve added it to my Amazon list just in case. I may take the existing one,, as well as the Hopkins 39332 Brake Buddy towed vehicle battery maintainer that’s in the Jeep or if too tedious, buy replacement ones.
I’ll go over the pics with the shop that will eventually install the plate to see if our results are better, and add the suggested U-channel.

 

[BradnChristine]

Thanks for the tip. I’ve added it to my Amazon list just in case. I may take the existing one,, as well as the Hopkins 39332 Brake Buddy towed vehicle battery maintainer that’s in the Jeep or if too tedious, buy replacement ones.
I’ll go over the pics with the shop that will eventually install the plate to see if our results are better, and add the suggested U-channel.

The Blue Ox instruction sheet shows a nicer cut.

 

[capo99]

The Blue Ox instruction sheet shows a nicer cut.

I purchased the Roadmaster, but was thinking if I purchased the Blue Ox I would try and put some king of trim around the rough edge. Something like some split rubber tubing glued in place to cleanup the rough edges.

 

[BradnChristine]

I purchased the Roadmaster, but was thinking if I purchased the Blue Ox I would try and put some king of trim around the rough edge. Something like some split rubber tubing glued in place to cleanup the rough edges.

I was reading someone having cooling issues...but I think it was an ecoboost. Having a destroyed active-shutter system with Roadmaster just seemed to present an easy out for Ford to blame and deny a warranty issue.

 

[capo99]

I was reading someone having cooling issues...but I think it was an ecoboost. Having a destroyed active-shutter system with Roadmaster just seemed to present an easy out for Ford to blame and deny a warranty issue.

I would hope that Roadmaster was contacting Fird when designing their baseplate. Probably wishful thinking. I think I would be more concerned the diode installation would have more warranty impact on the electrical system?

 

[BradnChristine]

I would hope that Roadmaster was contacting Fird when designing their baseplate. Probably wishful thinking. I think I would be more concerned the diode installation would have more warranty impact on the electrical system?

I'm planning on LED bars at this point, I think.

Blue Ox says there is room inside the tail lights to install an extra dual element bulb in each fixture. I did it that way on my S-10. Completely separate and is just wired up to the front connector. No issues with doing it this way, as there is NO connection to the Maverick wiring. When I get my truck, I'll look over that option.

I doubt Roadmaster really concerned themselves with active-shutter. Personally, I don't think active-shutter is worth the hassle, but I guess it helps Ford reach some mileage gain. It just makes for an easy scapegoat for heat issues if you destroy active-shutter. As I've said before, I'm a long-time Roadmaster fan, but this was a real disappointment that they did their baseplate this way.

 

[Palms]

Here's a final pic of the total front of the hatchet job. Doesn't look as bad from a distance, but certainly can be improved upon, no doubt. I will certainly have a session with my installer prior to allowing any modifications. Thanks guys.

 

[BradnChristine]

Here's a final pic of the total front of the hatchet job. Doesn't look as bad from a distance, but certainly can be improved upon, no doubt. I will certainly have a session with my installer prior to allowing any modifications. Thanks guys.

I'd be really pissed if some "Installer" did that job to my new truck.

 

[Palms]

I'd be really pissed if some "Installer" did that job to my new truck.

Can I use any of the three grounding lugs on the frame in front of vthe positive stud for the fused wiring harness for my front license plate holder mounted led bar, with 2 separate 5/16 x 18 nuts, one for the charge line and one for the bar?

 

[BradnChristine]

Can I use any of the three grounding lugs on the frame in front of vthe positive stud for the fused wiring harness for my front license plate holder mounted led bar, with 2 separate 5/16 x 18 nuts, one for the charge line and one for the bar?

Not sure where exactly you are referring to, but a ground is a ground, wherever you find one. Just make sure it is a good ground, and not painted over.

 

[AutobahnSHO]

We ordered a hybrid and hearing it can be flat towed was just icing on the cake- "some day" I would love to get an RV but it's a fantasy at this point.

 

[PapaRed]

I ordered my Maverick today. Who knows when Ford will open the order line again? I installed Blue OX base plate and M&G brake system on my Jeep Liberty myself, but that was a few years ago. I've checked locally and found the base plate @ $592, and $455 labor - think I'll let them do it. Parts of my M&G brake system (breakaway) will transfer to Maverick and M&G brake system I'll install myself for $592.

 

[BDennis]

Mine was one of two used by Roadmaster to prototype their baseplate, and I have 4,000 miles towing already using a Ready Brake tow bar/surge brake system. No auxiliary brake system needed as the towbar connects via cable to the back of the brake pedal. Saves around $2k when you include install ion of a traditional brake system.

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