Waiting to flat-tow a 2025 Maverick may take a long time.

[Iddgit]

Not sure if you found my file regarding the install. If you follow the referenced Ford (NHTSB) guide, you are able to pull the vanes out without damaging them at all. They just twist and slip in and out.
According to Demco, some installs have not required their removal, some have. I DID have to gently pull my 4 vanes out on my 2023. I linked the process in my guide file in another thread.

The Roadmaster install is serious destruction; quite a different thing, as the plastic frame must be cut for them.

I did add diodes to the tail lights, but there is no "relay" needed for my BrakeBuddy Classic install. Not sure what braking system you are using that would require a relay.

It’s not about the braking system, it’s about correct functionality of the Toad turn signals when the brake pedal is depressed in the Toad. Because the Mav lights up the brake lights when the brake pedal is depressed even if the key/ignition is off, and because its brake/turn lights are combined, you must have a relay to preserve correct lighting. The relay disables the brake lights from being driven ON when the Toad brake pedal is pressed and you are towing. What you need, is for the brake signal to come from the coach (thru the tow wiring to the tail light assembly) and not from the Toad’s brake light switch. If you let the brake light switch in the toad drive the brake lights, you will have that signal overriding the turn signal that is coming from the coach. So it’s not about the braking system (mine is AF1) it’s about preserving the requirement that the turn signals on the back of the Toad must still flash (not be lit as brake lights) when the coach says ”Turn signal On” and then applies the brakes on the Mav. Without a relay to stop the mav’s brake signal from getting to the tail bulbs, you have a malfunction in your braking and turn signal operation.
Some solutions drive the “on” of the relay from having the Coach tail lights on, others use the charge line from the coach to control the relay. In either situation, you then need to ensure the enabling signal from the coach is disabled (cable removed or lights off depending) before you start the Mav To stop towing or to charge the batteries.

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[BradnChristine]

The relay is needed to prevent the Maverick brake lights (activated by the Brake Buddy) from overriding the turn signals from the coach. Without the relay, the rear light gets both the coach flashing signal and Maverick brake solid signals, so it can be confusing for drivers behind you.

I see what you are saying. My BrakeBuddy has activated exactly 2 times in about 5500 miles, and I really cannot imagine activating it while in a turn situation when the turn signal was also on.

When I had my Foretravel DP, it had air disc brakes and I'd keep the brake buddy sensitivity in the towed vehicle set very, very low so it would not activate. It probably activated twice in 120,000 of towing. When I moved to the Transit-based RV, I guess I am used to a light touch, as when it did activate on me it was hard and harsh (I will be lowering the presure). As I've said before, I only have supplemental braking to be legal and in case of a breakaway. The Transit would stop me just fine in 99.99% of the cases.

 

[Backdoctor]

I ordered a 2025 Lariat when the order banks opened. After I found out about the pro trailer assist pkg not being included till after Feb 3 I asked to cancel, and they said it had been scheduled and they couldn’t cancel, but they would sell “mine” to someone else and order another in February.
The new one came in this week, so I went to check out the tow bar area, as I have the Demco bar on my 2023. It’s quite clear there is NO space around the ACC radar to fit the bar. It nearly touches the lower valence, and is firmly attached to the frame around the radiator.
I’m not sure what I’ll do, but I’m glad I can still head west to ski and south to Florida with my Renegade coach and our ‘23 Lariat. Maybe by spring they’ll have something figured out? I expect the 25 Lariat awd hybrid with 4K tow pkg in April.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Maybe by spring they’ll have something figured out? I expect the 25 Lariat awd hybrid with 4K tow pkg in April.

Hopefully someone in NW Iowa can bring them a vehicle to work with,,,,,

HRG

 

[Dave O]

Hopefully someone in NW Iowa can bring them a vehicle to work with,,,,,

HRG

As of today Demco is still hoping to get a donator 2025 Maverick AWD Hybrid to complete the engineering to work around the ACC Radar that Ford lowered during the refresh I’m in Florida or I’d definitely volunteer - RoadMaster is in the same shape and although BlueOx has gone to market with theirs I’ll pass on theirs - eTrailer is sell Demco Baseplates but they haven’t physically confirmed a fit for the 2025 and Demco has reached out to eTrailer and is questioning their advertisement of the Demco product since it isn’t tested for fit.

 

[Tony Pandy]

There is virtually Zero ("0") clearance between the front grill work and the shutters on my 2025 Lariat. I have had my 2025 Lariat w/ 4K Tow Pkg for a couple of weeks now and inspecting closer for ability to install a base plate to use as a TOAD. I don't know if the 4K Tow Pkg with the added cooling reduces any clearance compared to the Non 4K equipped versions.

I have a feeling there will be major cutting of the front bumper cover etc. to get a base plate installed. I just hope it's not like the Failure of the First Blue-Ox Base Plate with how far apart the mounts were.

 

[Seand1109]

Anyone ELSE apply to be the base plate test dummy at RoadMaster?

 

[Dave O]

Anyone ELSE apply to be the base plate test dummy at RoadMaster?

Too far of a trip for me in Florida even with the free equipment and installation - hope they get it figured out soon I’m getting impatient, shame on Ford for not making any engineering contribution especially since they stepped up and incorporated the neutral tow option…

 

[Seand1109]

Ok heard back and there is currently a Lariat in their shop as of last Monday. they expect to have the base plates to market within 4 weeks. I should get a message when they are ready.

 

[Tony Pandy]

Ok heard back and there is currently a Lariat in their shop as of last Monday. they expect to have the base plates to market within 4 weeks. I should get a message when they are ready.

Good News. I hope it's a Lariat with the 4K tow Pkg. (I'm not sure if any difference in clearance between 4K & Standard 2K Tow PKG). Looking at my 25 Lariat w/ 4K it's like Zero Clearance where Demco has Base Plates for Previous Model Years.

 

[Seand1109]

Let me ask... I have 4K too

 

[Dave O]

Let me ask... I have 4K too

Sean when you reach out to them see if the 2K and 4K baseplates will be the same I have the 2K

 

[Seand1109]

Ok, I will post when I get a reply, likely tomorrow. Have you tried to order it yet. I was directed to the ordering under postmaster and got this link

https://fitmaster.roadmasterinc.com...ars=2025&make=FORD&model=MAVERICK&type=direct

and at the top is this link for cross bar.

https://fitmaster.roadmasterinc.com...s=2025&make=FORD&model=MAVERICK&type=crossbar

 

[Seand1109]

"Thank you, Sean, and feel free to give out my email.. This is my job, and I want to see towing folks set up with Roadmaster." from Glenda's email to me today. I will keep posting her replies to me.. Feel free to add your replies from her to you as well to build a knowledge base here.

Glenda Apple [email protected]

 

[Dave O]

"Thank you, Sean, and feel free to give out my email.. This is my job, and I want to see towing folks set up with Roadmaster." from Glenda's email to me today. I will keep posting her replies to me.. Feel free to add your replies from her to you as well to build a knowledge base here.

Glenda Apple [email protected]

Yes I have been talking with Glenda for weeks she’s definitely on top of this and a great communicator

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