Maverick Hybrid Brakes Completely Ruined After Towed Behind RV

[Wanderlust]

We have been towing our '23 Maverick Hybrid behind a Leisure Travel Van (24' RV on an MB 3500 chassis) without issue for about 15,000 miles. On our latest trip, and final tow day, we towed the Mav about 100 miles - and unhitched the truck only to realize that their were no brakes. The following error messages were on the dash: Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, Service AdvanceTrac, Check Brake System, Brake Fluid Level Low.

Mav was towed to Ford Dealership - when they put it up on the rack they found brake fluid level empty, brake fluid over front wheels, brake pads worn all the way past the backing plate, scaring and grooving all 4 rotors and damaging all the calipers and brake lines by overheating and/or physical damage. There was no excessive wear on the tires or flat spots.

We have a Blue Ox tow bar system and Demco Stay-in-Play Duo braking supplemental braking system.

Ford does not believe this was caused by the Maverick's braking system but that the Demco supplemental braking system malfunctioned and somehow applied a slight constant braking force that overheated the brakes - but not hard enough to cause the wheels to stop or lock up. (We did not experience any drag while towing.) Demco has never had an issue like this but is consulting with their engineers to analyze this and determine possible causes. At this time, they don't believe the brake system could have caused this catastrophic damage to the Maverick's braking system.

Has anyone experienced anything like this with their Mav while towing or otherwise?

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[Joe Strummer]

I don't see how it could have anything to do with the Maverick since there was no one in the vehicle applying the hydraulic brakes. What gear did you have the Maverick in? Did you forget to release the hand brake?

 

[Disneycampers]

Is ford or Demco taking responsibility or are you on your own? I am considering a Maverick as a toad for my motorhome.

 

[Wanderlust]

I don't see how it could have anything to do with the Maverick since there was no one in the vehicle applying the hydraulic brakes. What gear did you have the Maverick in? Did you forget to release the hand brake?

I had it in the "Neutral Tow" mode and the parking brake was not engaged.

 

[Wanderlust]

Is ford or Demco taking responsibility or are you on your own? I am considering a Maverick as a toad for my motorhome.

Ford is not taking any responsibility nor is Demco. Up until this point I would say it is a great truck to tow. We bought it for this very reason and there are lots of folks that love towing it behind their rigs.

 

[Ken L]

My thoughts are alone those of Ford "Ford does not believe this was caused by the Maverick's braking system but that the Demco supplemental braking system malfunctioned......."
I don't fully understand how the air pressure and vacuum works with the Demco, but IMHO, the Maverick brakes never fully released after an application, just on enough to create that excessive heat on all four wheels. Just that certqin amount , but not enough to create noticible drag.
Years ago, on an RV forum, someone posted pictures of his toad, after towing with the parking brake on. not only were his tires (rear axle) flat spotted/gone, but his alloy wheels were flat spotted, ground down about 2 inches. Says he never felt any drag or anything, Obviously never noticed the smoke and sparks in his rearview mirrors.

In addition to the damage stated in your first post, especially the heat damage to brake lines, calipers etc. I would consider replacing the wheel bearing and possibly the CV joints. Has all the lubrication/grease been melted out, now dry?? Heat damage to bearings etc??

I would definitely be going back to Demco and the installer.
Check with your insurance to see if any possible coverage.

Ken

 

[icegradner]

We have been towing our '23 Maverick Hybrid behind a Leisure Travel Van (24' RV on an MB 3500 chassis) without issue for about 15,000 miles. On our latest trip, and final tow day, we towed the Mav about 100 miles - and unhitched the truck only to realize that their were no brakes. The following error messages were on the dash: Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, Service AdvanceTrac, Check Brake System, Brake Fluid Level Low.

Mav was towed to Ford Dealership - when they put it up on the rack they found brake fluid level empty, brake fluid over front wheels, brake pads worn all the way past the backing plate, scaring and grooving all 4 rotors and damaging all the calipers and brake lines by overheating and/or physical damage. There was no excessive wear on the tires or flat spots.

We have a Blue Ox tow bar system and Demco Stay-in-Play Duo braking supplemental braking system.

Ford does not believe this was caused by the Maverick's braking system but that the Demco supplemental braking system malfunctioned and somehow applied a slight constant braking force that overheated the brakes - but not hard enough to cause the wheels to stop or lock up. (We did not experience any drag while towing.) Demco has never had an issue like this but is consulting with their engineers to analyze this and determine possible causes. At this time, they don't believe the brake system could have caused this catastrophic damage to the Maverick's braking system.

Has anyone experienced anything like this with their Mav while towing or otherwise?

I'm not familiar with that brake system, but if not installed just right sometimes those brake assists can hit the brakes lightly all the time. I hate to say it, but so many cases like this are due to user error.

 

[Wanderlust]

My thoughts are alone those of Ford "Ford does not believe this was caused by the Maverick's braking system but that the Demco supplemental braking system malfunctioned......."
I don't fully understand how the air pressure and vacuum works with the Demco, but IMHO, the Maverick brakes never fully released after an application, just on enough to create that excessive heat on all four wheels. Just that certqin amount , but not enough to create noticible drag.
Years ago, on an RV forum, someone posted pictures of his toad, after towing with the parking brake on. not only were his tires (rear axle) flat spotted/gone, but his alloy wheels were flat spotted, ground down about 2 inches. Says he never felt any drag or anything, Obviously never noticed the smoke and sparks in his rearview mirrors.

In addition to the damage stated in your first post, especially the heat damage to brake lines, calipers etc. I would consider replacing the wheel bearing and possibly the CV joints. Has all the lubrication/grease been melted out, now dry?? Heat damage to bearings etc??

I would definitely be going back to Demco and the installer.
Check with your insurance to see if any possible coverage.

Ken

Hi Ken,
Thanks for taking the time to share this with me. I am going to follow up with Ford to ask about the wheel bearing and CV joints as well. Not sure if all the lubrication/grease melted out - this is a very good point you brought up.

My insurance already declined as they consider this "mechanical" - not due to an accident.

We are having an ongoing dialog with Demco - they don't think their system would cause this damage. I'm afraid it's going to be a hard one to prove but I haven't given up yet.

Many thanks again for your comments.

 

[robo44]

Watching this space as I have plans to purchase same demco system

 

[Montana]

Who installed everything?

 

[LAClippers420]

Sorry to hear this. Hopefully everything is resolved for you. This must’ve been awful especially on vacation.

 

[Wanderlust]

Who installed everything?

Tow package including brake assist was installed by authorized installer - Sky River RV.

 

[Wanderlust]

Sorry to hear this. Hopefully everything is resolved for you. This must’ve been awful especially on vacation.

Thank you for your kind words.

 

[colinl]

I had it in the "Neutral Tow" mode and the parking brake was not engaged.

do you have an auxiliary charger from the RV to the Maverick?

if not, are you certain the battery level in the Maverick was sufficient?

 

[Don11]

Sorry to hear this brother I have towed my Maverick for a year now with no problems so far. I would recommend if your going to tow anything call Etrailer they are experts in anything to do with towing your Maverick’s. I have roadmaster equipment tow bar,brake,rock guard. I pray you solve your problems with no cost to you.

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