Has anyone with an FX4 actually used the tow/recovery hooks?

[Gray Goose]

Hitch will work if you need to be pulled backwards, what if you need to be pulled forward?

Generally a pull backward is preferable to a forward pull. The tracks are already cut, so the pull is less resistance. And often what's in front is worse conditions than what's behind. A pull up a boat ramp is the exception. But with AWD, good tires and a decently designed ramp, a pull up a ramp should never be needed. If pulling a trailer through mud, a more heavy duty tow vehicle should be used. I wouldn't subject the Maverick to that kind of force since it doesn't have a frame.
See Off-road recovery videos:

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[Jah.]

I wanted fx4 for all the previous perks mentioned but especially the upgraded fan , radiator ( better for towing ) and suspension ( better ride ) . Bought Mav as ordered by dealer so no 4k towing available at time . good enough for me . haven't had a need to tow yet . Fortunately bought (msrp) before the crazy pricing started .

 

[TwoTone]

Generally a pull backward is preferable to a forward pull. The tracks are already cut, so the pull is less resistance. And often what's in front is worse conditions than what's behind. A pull up a boat ramp is the exception. But with AWD, good tires and a decently designed ramp, a pull up a ramp should never be needed. If pulling a trailer through mud, a more heavy duty tow vehicle should be used. I wouldn't subject the Maverick to that kind of force since it doesn't have a frame.
See Off-road recovery videos:

You're thinking from an off road perspective. Even then- your buddy might be in the lead and won't be able to get behind you, so you're pulling from the front.

I see a ton of cars in a ditch that end up tail in because the driver tried to correct and get back on the road. They come out pulling on the front.

If you watch enough of Matt's channel- there are plenty of pulls from the front.

 

[Gray Goose]

You're thinking from an off road perspective. Even then- your buddy might be in the lead and won't be able to get behind you, so you're pulling from the front.

I see a ton of cars in a ditch that end up tail in because the driver tried to correct and get back on the road. They come out pulling on the front.

If you watch enough of Matt's channel- there are plenty of pulls from the front.

Yes I see a lot of that in the aftermath of midwestern blizzards. People drive too fast for conditions. I don't recommend that either.

 

[710-oil-614]

Pretty much my only reasoning for going FX4 would be to get the tow hooks but I am hoping I can be persuaded against opting for the FX4. That being said, has anyone actually used their two hooks? Can a good hitch shackle do the job?

Never need your tow hooks...until you do.

Ultimately you can always hook up to the front suspension and get a pull but that is obviously not preferable. I never used mine in my 23 Tremor but I do wish I had them on my 2025 Hybrid AWD 4K Lariat.

If you are going XLT - why not FX4 and 4K? Lots of folks believe that is the sweet spot for the Maverick.

 

[dochawk]

Even then- your buddy might be in the lead and won't be able to get behind you, so you're pulling from the front.

if he got through, and you couldn't follow, doesn't that mean to replace your truck with his model?

 

[Aguy]

Never need your tow hooks...until you do.

Ultimately you can always hook up to the front suspension and get a pull but that is obviously not preferable. I never used mine in my 23 Tremor but I do wish I had them on my 2025 Hybrid AWD 4K Lariat.

If you are going XLT - why not FX4 and 4K? Lots of folks believe that is the sweet spot for the Maverick.

Because I am wavering between a 2025 hybrid AWD 4K or a ecoboost FX4 4K

Reason I would opt for the 4k would be tow hooks (and I guess upgraded suspension) since the 4k has a lot of redundancy.

 

[710-oil-614]

Because I am wavering between a 2025 hybrid AWD 4K or a ecoboost FX4 4K

Reason I would opt for the 4k would be tow hooks (and I guess upgraded suspension) since the 4k has a lot of redundancy.

Are you going to off road? I mean legit off road and not just some gravel paths?

if no, go AWD hybrid.

 

[Aguy]

Are you going to off road? I mean legit off road and not just some gravel paths?

if no, go AWD hybrid.

Idea is to use this for camping + the mountains. So expectation is the occasional gravel road or icy road. Seldom actual off roading- just to get to some secret spots.

Yeah that's what I am thinking. But the tow hooks man!!!

 

[710-oil-614]

Idea is to use this for camping + the mountains. So expectation is the occasional gravel road or icy road. Seldom actual off roading- just to get to some secret spots.

Yeah that's what I am thinking. But the tow hooks man!!!

To each their own. I have property on the ridge of Rich Mountain in western NC (4715ft) and the hybrid awd is more than enough to get me there with the right tires.

FX4 is a good choice and those tow hooks will look banger while you never use them.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

FX4 is a good choice and those tow hooks will look banger while you never use them.

Ouch! Better to have and not need, than need and not have,,,,,,

HRG

 

[710-oil-614]

Ouch! Better to have and not need, than need and not have,,,,,,

HRG

Which is what the FX4 package is all about lol.

 

[Scout]

I’m trying to decide the same. i have 2022 XLT hybrid. Ordered a 2025 AWD hybrid. BUT I wanted tow hooks. I trailer a 14foot boat, I’ve slipped a few times at the ramp. So thinking AWD would be the way to go..
No hooks on the 25 AWD. So thinking maybe getting a 2024 XLT with EcoBoost 4k package.

 

[colinl]

I hope I never have to use my tow hooks....especially since I painted them red.

soft shackles and kinetic rope rated at least 10k.

 

[Tbone289]

No hooks on the 25 AWD. So thinking maybe getting a 2024 XLT with EcoBoost 4k package.

A 2024 XLT with EcoBoost 4k package won't have hooks either unless it has the FX4 package.

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