Ready for the Road w/ RoadMaster Nighthawk flat tow bar

[kylec]

Just got setup with the RoadMaster Nighthawk tow bar. Getting ready to take a trip from Virginia to Texas.

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[JOEDDY58]

I have a question regarding flat towing a FWD AWD vehicle. I was under the assumption when flat towing, the potential for damage to gears Due to rotation without lubrication exists. Do you do something additional?

 

[AF Blue]

I have a question regarding flat towing a FWD AWD vehicle. I was under the assumption when flat towing, the potential for damage to gears Due to rotation without lubrication exists. Do you do something additional?

For Maverick, only the Hybrid can be flat towed.
Procedure in the owner's manual:

Recreationally Towing Your Vehicle - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

 

[JOEDDY58]

For Maverick, only the Hybrid can be flat towed.
Procedure in the owner's manual:

Recreationally Towing Your Vehicle - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

put in Neutral tow cool

 

[kylec]

I have a question regarding flat towing a FWD AWD vehicle. I was under the assumption when flat towing, the potential for damage to gears Due to rotation without lubrication exists. Do you do something additional?

I’m going to make sure I keep up with the maintenance requirements based on the additional miles while being towed. Those miles do not show on the odometer. Mainly keeping a close eye on the suspension and checking for any abnormalities.

 

[kylec]

put in Neutral tow cool

Mine is in the shop right now to have them figure out why it will sometimes not come out of Neutral Tow gracefully. I opened a ticket with Ford to ensure the dealership gets the support they need in finding the root cause.

 

[SaltyJim]

Kylec, I watched the e-trailer install video for the Roadmaster baseplate. I really like the fact that there’s no need to cut into the bumper cover. It does show some trimming of the shroud around the active shutters and the complete removal of the shutters themselves. Did yours get done that way? Any issues since? I.e. check engine lights?, significant change in mpg?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[realshelby]

Kylec, I watched the e-trailer install video for the Roadmaster baseplate. I really like the fact that there’s no need to cut into the bumper cover. It does show some trimming of the shroud around the active shutters and the complete removal of the shutters themselves. Did yours get done that way? Any issues since? I.e. check engine lights?, significant change in mpg?

Thanks,
Jim

There is EXTENSIVE cutting of the radiator shroud involved. ALL the lower shutters and their mounting system are cut out. NO trimming of the front fascia is needed. Just installed the RoadMaster base plate on mine to replace the Blue Ox version...

No lights have come on. The actuators can still move....they don't know there are no shutters attached! I am not expecting any measurable change in fuel mileage. Have not seen any so far.

 

[SaltyJim]

There is EXTENSIVE cutting of the radiator shroud involved. ALL the lower shutters and their mounting system are cut out. NO trimming of the front fascia is needed. Just installed the RoadMaster base plate on mine to replace the Blue Ox version...

No lights have come on. The actuators can still move....they don't know there are no shutters attached! I am not expecting any measurable change in fuel mileage. Have not seen any so far.

Thanks!

 

[kylec]

Hey there @SaltyJim I just got back from a great trip and towing the Maverick is one of the best decisions I’ve made. I like the Road Master tow bar and base plate. I also got the Invisibrake system and my installer had to redo some of their original wiring because it was throwing off the computer in the Maverick and you could get it into Neutral Tow mode and you never knew when you got to your location (campground) whether or not it would come out of Neutral Tow mode gracefully or not. They fixed that and now it is a really good vehicle to tow. They did remove the shutters but it is real clean on the front.

 

[SaltyJim]

Hey there @SaltyJim I just got back from a great trip and towing the Maverick is one of the best decisions I’ve made. I like the Road Master tow bar and base plate. I also got the Invisibrake system and my installer had to redo some of their original wiring because it was throwing off the computer in the Maverick and you could get it into Neutral Tow mode and you never knew when you got to your location (campground) whether or not it would come out of Neutral Tow mode gracefully or not. They fixed that and now it is a really good vehicle to tow. They did remove the shutters but it is real clean on the front.

Thanks! My Maverick finally got scheduled for mid-December. Seems like I’ve been researching the flat tow options for years. (Probably because I have been!). Sounds like the Roadmaster might be the best option so far.

Safe Travels!
Jim

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