Flat Tow - 2024 Maverick Hybrid

[estvoldw]

Hello Everyone,

I am the proud new owner of a 2024 Maverick Hybrid (Cactus Grey). We needed something to be able to flat tow behind our RV (2021 Newmar Baystar Sport). I’ve poured through the forums looks at other people’s experiences and recommendations. Here is what I’ve decided upon, and wanted to get your thoughts on it!

Demco Baseplate
BASEPLATE 9519360
https://cdn.demco-products.com/documents/Manuals/TP29360.pdf

Demco Wiring Kit
9523010 - KIT TAILLIGHTWIRING DIODE

Tow Bar + Braking System (w/ Demco Clevis)
READY BRUTE ELITE II RV TOW BAR WITH INTEGRATED SUPPLEMENTAL BRAKE
https://nsarvproducts.com/products/rv-tow-bar-ready-brute-elite-ii?variant=40449788149946

I will be using the surge brake on the tow bar versus installing a braking system within the Maverick.

Any thoughts or opinions on this? Thanks!

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[BradnChristine]

No comment on the braking system (I use an old BrakeBuddy), but 100% good on the Demco Baseplate. Hopefully, you found my file about little install helps.

BTW, I'd expect Demco and all the others will have to redesign their baseplates for the 2025...especially the Lariat with the ACC unit definitely in the way.

 

[robo44]

X2 with BradnChristine he has extensive history and knowledge with this setup

 

[realshelby]

Demco base plate is the best choice.

While the Demco ( or other brands ) of diode light control seem to work in most cases, I still prefer the kit where you add an extra bulb socket to the taillight housing for the towing lights. NO...connections to factory wiring. Simple, works.

While I am a big fan of the Ready Brute braking system, I am NOT a fan of the included tow bar. In fact I removed the tow bar part and installed a Blue Ox towbar to that braking assembly. MUCH better actuation of the braking, MUCH easier hood up. Aluminum Ready Brute II just has too much slop in it. Maverick was tramlining side to side as the joint controlling up and down movement became too loose to control that. So...back to a better design. If starting over I would purchase the braking assembly from Ready Brute and install a different brand tow bar.

 

[HRF]

I use the same Readchoice II tow bar to tow my Ford Escape. When adjusted properly the surge brake works great. They have a kit to install a light on your dash that let's you know when the brakes are activated. This light is also a safety warning in case you adjust the surge brake to tight and it activates the brakes when you turn a corner. Their break-a-way switch is also a good safety choice.

 

[Donziman]

X3 on the Demco baseplate and light kit. Definitely check out Brad's file, it was immensely helpful! I too have a 2024 And the safety cables supplied and shown in Demco's (or Etrailer?) baseplate videos are grossly misleading. Some opt to not use those cables given the poor fit and questionable value. On the breaker system, I opted for the Stay N' Play duo with the wireless xmitter in addition to the LED indicator. It works pretty well. Good luck and congrats. We are picking up a new Baystar this Monday. Fingers crossed all goes well with it.

 

[TomF94]

I too just purchased a '24 hybrid for the purpose of towing behind my Grand Design Lineage motor home. I won't be doing the work myself and must rely on input from current owners. I live in SE Michigan, specifically Downriver Detroit.
My first hitch dealership has not done a Maverick before, saw the install instructions and declined the job.
My second choice also has never done a Maverick, read the instructions, quoted me $5200 and said he needed the truck 4 days.
My third option is General RV. They quoted $5800 and said it would take 1 day. They did not comment whether they'd done a Maverick before.

Are these comments what you've encountered? If you've paid to have the work done, how long do they keep your truck.

This is my first post, so thanks for your input.

 

[realshelby]

I too just purchased a '24 hybrid for the purpose of towing behind my Grand Design Lineage motor home. I won't be doing the work myself and must rely on input from current owners. I live in SE Michigan, specifically Downriver Detroit.
My first hitch dealership has not done a Maverick before, saw the install instructions and declined the job.
My second choice also has never done a Maverick, read the instructions, quoted me $5200 and said he needed the truck 4 days.
My third option is General RV. They quoted $5800 and said it would take 1 day. They did not comment whether they'd done a Maverick before.

Are these comments what you've encountered? If you've paid to have the work done, how long do they keep your truck.

This is my first post, so thanks for your input.

You don't state what parts you are needing? Installing just the baseplate should under $1000 for parts ( including wiring in the lighting) and maybe 10 hours of labor for a Demco base plate ( much less labor to install). No more than $2500 in my opinion. Then you need a towbar. Under $1500 for that and the electrical cable. Then there is the braking system to be legal. Close to $2000 for the plug and play type that sit in the floor. More if it is one that takes installing brackets.

 

[Lobstah]

I used a ReadiBrake for towing my HHR behind our 36ft Pace arrow. Worked great, and if we put the Mav behind it, will do the same thing there.
I used a Blue Ox tow bar and base plate, did the install myself, took about 4hrs in my garage, BUT...
I always used magnetic brake/signal lights, so never messed with with installing the lighting. The magnetics were super easy.

 

[TomF94]

I'm sorry. Referring to post 7, I'm having a full flat tow assembly installed. Tow bar, base plate, electrical and brakes.

 

[Suptrack]

Having hybrid setup next week with the Demco baseplate and the necessary internal wiring for brakes light, signals, etc also a 12 volt socket to provide power for the Blus Ox brake. They'll have the vehicle 1 1/2 days total cost with tax 4k

 

[BradnChristine]

If you don't want to do the baseplate/wiring install yourself (so it gets done correctly), my advice is to make sure that your installer knows how Maverick regenerative braking system works and gets a proper braking system installed for you.

It is NOT hard to do this install. I was 75 when I did it earlier this year. I've done 9 differentbaseplate installs over theyears, and our 2023 Maverick was one of the easier ones to do. You can find my documentation here in the group with the details.

Gone are the days of being able to trust installers. Hell, some of them will gladly install a Blue Ox baseplate because they don't know (or care) about their failures on the Maverick. Others will gladly install a Roadmaster baseplate and completely destroy your lower active shutter system in the process (read: warranty issue).

 

[Sir Tyne]

If you don't want to do the baseplate/wiring install yourself (so it gets done correctly), my advice is to make sure that your installer knows how Maverick regenerative braking system works and gets a proper braking system installed for you.

It is NOT hard to do this install. I was 75 when I did it earlier this year. I've done 9 differentbaseplate installs over theyears, and our 2023 Maverick was one of the easier ones to do. You can find my documentation here in the group with the details.

Gone are the days of being able to trust installers. Hell, some of them will gladly install a Blue Ox baseplate because they don't know (or care) about their failures on the Maverick. Others will gladly install a Roadmaster baseplate and completely destroy your lower active shutter system in the process (read: warranty issue).

I second Brad‘s opinion. I installed my Demco base plate three months ago at age 74. It was my second one and it was very easy. Saved a bunch of money.

 

[BradnChristine]

I used a ReadiBrake for towing my HHR behind our 36ft Pace arrow. Worked great, and if we put the Mav behind it, will do the same thing there.
I used a Blue Ox tow bar and base plate, did the install myself, took about 4hrs in my garage, BUT...
I always used magnetic brake/signal lights, so never messed with with installing the lighting. The magnetics were super easy.

And what will you use for your next baseplate, once the BlueOx fails? You've not read much in this group, I am guessing.

 

[Suptrack]

This group has made me aware of the Blue Ox baseplate issues that's why it's Demco for me. Now I have a question, what do I need to know and ask my installer in regards to the regenerative brake system? I'm going to be using the Blue Ox electric brake in the Mav. Continue reading this forum and you'll have a much better sense as to what's up with your truck. Like I had no idea about needing to stop before 6 hours was up while flat towing and starting the engine and run it for a few minutes also not to exceed 70mph while flat towing. Learned all of this BradnChristine. Oh one other thing, I don't have the patience to do it myself anymore. And the old saying is "you can't take it with you when your gone"

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